Evaluation of the Integration of Genetics and Genomics Into Nursing Practice

Purpose: Assess US registered nurse genomic competency. Design: Administered the Genetics and Genomics Nursing Practice Survey (GGNPS). Methods: GGNPS assesses genomic knowledge, skills, attitudes, confidence, and utilization in nursing practice. Distributed by the American Nurses Association via email and online to US registered nurses. Results are analyzed using descriptive statistics and compared to 2010 data. Results: 1065 registered nurses responded. Most (41%) were Master's prepared, actively seeing patients (51%) and 66% considered it very important to learn more about genomics. Most (55%) reported their genomic knowledge was poor yet 51% reported a patient initiated a genetic discussion with them in the past 3 months. 66% completed all knowledge score items with a median score of 9/12, no change from 2010. Only 26% had heard of the Essential Competencies. Most reported no genomic curricular content (64%); had not attended a genomic course since licensure (64%); intended to learn more about genomics (70%); and would attend a course on their own time (79%). Conclusions: Nurses felt genomics was important but have capacity deficits. Despite genomic discoveries and evidence-based practice guidelines that impact healthcare quality and safety, 20 years after the Genomic Competencies were established (2005) nursing genomic practice capacity remains low. Clinical Relevance: Genomics is critical to the safe, quality nursing practice regardless of the level of academic training, clinical role, or specialty.