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Clinical Care at the Genomic Interface: Current Genetic Issues in Neonatal Nursing
Lauren Thorngate1, Chantel A E V Rios2
1Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist, University of Washington Medical Center, Doctoral Student, University of Washington School of Nursing.
Insights
Neonatal nurses need genetic competency to care for infants with genetic conditions. This review covers assessment, testing, and communication, providing a framework for essential nursing skills in neonatal genetics.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neonatal Nursing
Background:
- One in 33 infants is born with a genetic condition.
- Neonatal nurses face increasing responsibility for genetic care.
- Rapid advancements in genetic and genomic information necessitate updated nursing practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline essential genetic competencies for neonatal nurses.
- To provide a framework for integrating genetic knowledge into neonatal clinical practice.
- To highlight the importance of genetic assessment, screening, testing, and communication.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article.
- It synthesizes current knowledge on genetic competencies in neonatal care.
- It focuses on assessment, screening, testing, and communication aspects.
Main Results:
- Essential nursing competencies in clinical genetics for neonatal care are identified.
- The review details genetic assessment, screening, and testing procedures.
- Effective communication strategies for genetic information are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal nurses require specialized genetic knowledge and skills.
- Integrating genetic competency is crucial for optimal neonatal care.
- Further development of research-oriented practice in neonatal genetics is encouraged.
Abstract:
Although only one in 33 infants is born with a genetic condition, neonatal nurses have a growing responsibility to integrate genetic competency into their clinical practice. This review article outlines the specific aspects of assessment, genetic screening and testing, and communication of genetic information between provider and patient in both the newborn and pregnancy period. Essential nursing competencies are introduced as a framework for building a skill and knowledge set in clinical genetics as it applies to neonatal care. The potential development of inquiry and research oriented practice problems are also highlighted. The exponential growth of human genetic and genomic information drives the need for neonatal nursing to embrace the interface of clinical care and genetic issues.
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