Table 2.

Essentials of Genetic and Genomic Nursing: Competencies, Curricula Guidelines, and Outcome⁹

Professional Responsibilities Domain

Recognize when one’s own attitudes and values related to genetic and genomic science may affect care provided to clients.

Advocate for clients’ access to desired genetic/genomic services and/or resources including support groups.

Examine competency of practice on a regular basis, identifying areas of strength, as well as areas in which professional development related to genetics and genomics would be beneficial.

Incorporate genetic and genomic technologies and information into registered nurse practice.

Demonstrate in practice the importance of tailoring genetic and genomic information and services to clients based on their culture, religion, knowledge level, literacy, and preferred language.

Advocate for the rights of all clients for autonomous, informed genetic- and genomic-related decision-making and voluntary action.

Professional Practice Domain

Nursing Assessment: Applying/Integrating Genetic and Genomic Knowledge

Demonstrates an understanding of the relationship of genetics and genomics to health, prevention, screening, diagnostics, prognostics, selection of treatment, and monitoring of treatment effectiveness.

Demonstrates ability to elicit a minimum of three generation family health history information.

Constructs a pedigree from collected family history information using standardized symbols and terminology.

Collects personal, health, and developmental histories that consider genetic, environmental, and genomic influences and risks.

Conducts comprehensive health and physical assessments which incorporate knowledge about genetic, environmental, and genomic influences and risk factors.

Critically analyzes the history and physical assessment findings for genetic, environmental, and genomic influences and risk factors.

Assesses clients’ knowledge, perceptions, and responses to genetic and genomic information.

Develops a plan of care that incorporates genetic and genomic assessment information.

Identification

Identifies clients who may benefit from specific genetic and genomic information and/or services based on assessment data.

Identifies credible, accurate, appropriate, and current genetic and genomic information, resources, services, and/or technologies specific to given clients.

Identifies ethical, ethnic/ancestral, cultural, religious, legal, fiscal, and societal issues related to genetic and genomic information and technologies.

Defines issues that undermine the rights of all clients for autonomous, informed genetic- and genomic-related decision-making and voluntary action.

Referral Activities

Facilitates referrals for specialized genetic and genomic services for clients as needed.

Provision of Education, Care, and Support

Provides clients with interpretation of selective genetic and genomic information or services.

Provides clients with credible, accurate, appropriate, and current genetic and genomic information, resources, services, and/or technologies that facilitate decision-making.

Uses health promotion/disease prevention practices that: Consider genetic and genomic influences on personal and environmental risk factors. Incorporate knowledge of genetic and/or genomic risk factors (e.g., a client with a genetic predisposition for high cholesterol who can benefit from a change in lifestyle that will decrease the likelihood that the genetic risk will be expressed).

Uses genetic- and genomic-based interventions and information to improve clients’ outcomes.

Collaborates with healthcare providers in providing genetic and genomic health care.

Collaborates with insurance providers/payers to facilitate reimbursement for genetic and genomic healthcare services.

Performs interventions/treatments appropriate to clients’ genetic and genomic healthcare needs.

Evaluates impact and effectiveness of genetic and genomic technology, information, interventions, and treatments on clients’ outcome.