Increasing importance of genetics in nursing

To examine the empirical literature related to the incorporation of genetic research and genetic competency needed by the nurse in practice.

Literature review.

This article will explore published research within the past seven years of 2008-2015 that address the need for the increased incorporation of genetic content in nursing practice in addition to the need for the nurse to effectively screen the patient at risk of a genetic disorder. This literature review specifically focuses on the inadequacy of nurses in addressing genomic health compromise and serving as advocates for patients and families facing genetic disorders.

A review of the literature published from 2008 to 2015 related to the incorporation of genetics in nursing practice and the role of the nurse as a patient advocate for families facing genetic disorders with resulting genomic health compromise.

The research exposes the lack of adequate preparation of nurses to incorporate and utilize the recent advances in genomic healthcare. Practicing nurses lack understating and skill in the application of genetics and genomic technologies to patient care. The nursing profession, including nursing academia, need to enhance the integration of genetic and genomic content into nursing curriculum and practice.

Practicing nurses are inadequately prepared to apply genetic advancements in screening at risk patients and addressing the needs of the patient or family facing a genomic health compromise.