Genomic science and the nurse educator's role: Promoting integration from curriculum to clinical practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Genomic Healthcare
• Health Professional Development

Background:

• Registered nurses and nurse educators are vital for translating genomic discoveries into clinical practice.
• Evidence suggests a potential deficit in genomics knowledge and confidence among these professionals.
• This knowledge gap is particularly concerning in Aotearoa New Zealand, where nursing genomic literacy is underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the genomic literacy and teaching confidence of nurse educators.
• To evaluate the knowledge and confidence of registered nurses in applying and teaching genomics in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted in the greater Auckland area.
• Purposive sampling recruited 17 participants with diverse backgrounds and experience.
• Semi-structured focus group interviews were employed, with data analyzed thematically.

Main Results:

• Findings provide insights into the preparedness of New Zealand's nursing workforce for genomic-informed healthcare.
• Results inform strategies for integrating genomics into nursing curricula and continuing professional development.
• Insights are relevant to other health professionals encountering genomic information.

Conclusions:

• Closing the educational gap in genomic literacy is essential for nurses.
• Equipping nurses is critical for delivering safe, equitable, and evidence-based genomic healthcare.
• Nurses are key facilitators of patient care and public health in the genomic era.