Preparing Nurses for the Future. Where Do You Fit into the Implementation Plans for Essential Genetics and Genomics Nursing Competency?

Article Outline

• Background
• Methods
• Findings
• Conclusion

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Background 

The translation of genetic/genomics to clinical care has major implications for the nursing profession which has, to date, had minimal preparation in genetics. In response, an initiative was launched in 2004 to define essential genetic and genomic competencies for all registered nurses regardless of academic preparation, role, or clinical specialty. Forty-seven organizations have endorsed the Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines for Genetics and Genomics, including unsolicited endorsements from 2 schools of nursing. The goal of this initiative is to prepare the nursing workforce to deliver genetic/genomic-competent healthcare. These essential competencies are valuable to consider when designing academic curriculum, continuing education programs, and specialty certification examinations.

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Methods 

Moving the Essential Nursing Competencies into practice requires a focused strategic plan. An Advisory Group of federal, academic, and national nursing leaders was established which identified, reviewed, analyzed, and compared successful change initiatives. An invitational meeting held October 22–24, 2006, of key stakeholders drafted a 5-year strategic implementation plan. Based on that information, the framework for this implementation plan proposes critical goals focused on practicing nurses, regulatory/quality control, and academics. Within these arenas, each strategy is prioritized, and includes outcome measures, funding needs, funding source, critical timeline, and recommended project lead.

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Findings 

Consensus was achieved on first establishing an infrastructure that provides the structure, direction, and focus for all efforts identified under the 3 critical goals; second, to identify a theoretical framework for implementing genetics and genomics into nursing practice; third, to establish a centralized repository of genetic and genomic nursing resources to facilitate access and identify resource gaps which will enhance the ability to fill those deficits; and fourth, to establish a national nursing research outcomes agenda for genetics/genomics. Key to success of each of these components is promotion of the relevance of genetics and genomics for all nursing practice.

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Conclusion 

This effort represents a multiple agency, organization, and academic collaboration that identified and established consensus on essential genetic and genomic competency elements, proposed a strategic plan, and successfully gained consensus on next steps. A copy of the competency document is available at http://www.nursingworld.org/ethics/genetics. Achieving the goal of making a difference for patient care can only be achieved if you take the time to become involved and see what role you, as an Academy leader, will assume in moving this strategic plan forward. Proposed efforts for integration of genetic/genomic information into curricula, NCLEX exams, specialty certification tests, continuing education programs, and accreditation standards are a few examples of where to begin. Professional organizations, including the American Academy of Nursing, have an important role in informing and supporting the nursing profession as they understand the importance of preparing nurses to incorporate genetic and genomic science into their practice for improved patient care outcomes. Please contact calzonek@mail.nih.gov or jean.jenkins@nih.gov if you wish to become a Champion in this effort! We challenge you to join the team preparing the entire nursing workforce to achieve competency in genetics and genomics.