Nurses' views on their role in genetics

Abstract

Objective: To determine the views of nurses about their roles in genetics.

Design: A descriptive study.

Setting: Two university hospitals in Ankara, Turkey.

Participants: From a population of 1,717 nurses, 313 were selected by using the stratified random sampling method. Two hundred seventy nurses agreed to participate.

Main outcome measure: Nurses' viewpoints on their role in genetics.

Results: Nurses defined their roles in genetics as gathering family history, providing information about a genetic test including its duration and risks, and providing counseling and psychological support. More graduates of baccalaureate degree nursing programs were in favor of nurses' roles in genetics than were graduates of lower educational level. Nurses reported that their knowledge of basic genetics is insufficient and that they need additional training. The majority of nurses were not aware of the possible risks and harms of genetic information for the individual, suggesting a very important point of ethical lack.

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate a need for educational preparation for nurses in both genetics and ethics. Nurses could assume their potential roles if their educational needs were met.