Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2013 Sep 1;10(7):10.2217/pme.13.64.
doi: 10.2217/pme.13.64.

National nursing workforce survey of nursing attitudes, knowledge and practice in genomics

Kathleen A Calzone  1 , Jean Jenkins  2 , Stacey Culp  3 , Vence L Bonham Jr  4 , Laurie Badzek  5
Affiliations

National nursing workforce survey of nursing attitudes, knowledge and practice in genomics

Kathleen A Calzone et al. Per Med. .

Abstract

Aim: Genomics has the potential to improve personalized healthcare. Nurses are vital to the utilization of genomics in practice. This study assessed nursing attitudes, receptivity, confidence, competency, knowledge and practice in genomics to inform education efforts.

Materials & methods: Cross-sectional study of registered nurses who completed an online Genetic/Genomic Nursing Practice Survey posted on a national nursing organization website.

Results: A total of 619 registered nurses participated. The largest proportion of education level were nurses with a baccalaureate degree (39%). Most (67.5%) considered genomics very important to nursing practice. However, 57% reported their genomic knowledge base to be poor or fair. The mean total knowledge score correct response rate was 75%. Yet 60% incorrectly answered that diabetes and heart disease are caused by a single gene variant. Most (64%) had never heard of the Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines in Genomics. Higher academic education or post licensure genetic education increased family history collection in practice.

Conclusion: Most nurses are inadequately prepared to translate genomic information into personalized healthcare. Targeted genomic education is needed to assure optimal workforce preparation for genomics practice integration.

Keywords: genetics; genomics; nurses; nursing; nursing practice; survey.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Guttmacher AE, Collins FS. Genomic medicin – a primer. N Engl J Med. 2002;347(19):1512–1520. - PubMed
    1. Phimister EG, Feero WG, Guttmacher AE. Realizing Genomic Medicine. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(8):757–759. Provides a summation of the New England Journal of Medicine 2012 Genomic Medicine Series. The authors summarize information about the expanded use of genomic technologies in healthcare, the expanding clinical applications and the need for healthcare provider education in genomics. - PubMed
    1. Calzone K, Cashion A, Feetham S, et al. Nurses transforming healthcare using genetics and genomics. Nursing Outlook. 2010;58(1):26–35. A policy white paper from the American Academy of Nursing that summarizes the current evidence of the expanding role of nurses in translating genomics and offers solutions to current challenges in genomic translation including research, education, disparities/insurance/reimbursement, policy and international perspectives. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Brantl V, Esslinger P. Genetics implications for the nursing curriculum. Nursing Forum. 1962;1(2):90–100.
    1. Anderson GW. The evolution and status of genetics education in nursing in the United States 1983–1995. Image J Nurs Sch. 1996;28(2):101–106. - PubMed

Websites

    1. Greco KE, Tinley S, Seibert D. Essential genetic and genomic competencies for nurses with graduate degrees. 2012 www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/Genetics-1/Essen..., This monograph publication builds on the existing competencies for all nurses by leveling competencies for nurses in advanced practice who hold graduate degrees. These graduate degree nursing competencies were also established through a process of consensus. - PubMed
    1. Jenkins J, Woolford S, Stevens N, Kahn N, McBride CM. Family physicians' likely adoption of genomic-related innovations. Case Studies in Business, Industry and Government Statistics. 2010;3(2):70–78. www.bentley.edu/centers/sites/www.bentley.edu.centers/files/csbigs/jenki....
    1. American Nurses Association. www.nursingworld.org.
    1. Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. www.genome.gov/10002328.
    1. US Department of Health and Human Services. Surgeon General's Family Health History Initiative. www.hhs.gov/familyhistory.

LinkOut - more resources