Essential Genetic and Genomic Nursing Competencies for the Oncology Nurse

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2010.11.008Get rights and content

Objectives

To review the opportunities and possibilities for advancing oncology nursing competencies in genetic/genomics through the illustration of case scenarios in clinical care.

Data Sources

Literature; research reports.

Conclusions

Oncology nurses have the potential to influence whether or not cutting edge research discoveries are utilized at the bedside. Clinical integration of genetic/genomic information has the potential to optimize health outcomes and lengthen patient lives.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Oncology nurses need to include genetics/genomics in their practice in order to impact quality patient care today and for the future.

Section snippets

Relevance of Genetics and Genomics to Oncology Care

The utilization of genetics and genomics in oncology nursing practice is relevant to all oncology nurses, regardless of role, setting, specialty, or population. Cancer genetics and genomics provides the scientific basis for understanding the process of carcinogenesis with implications for identifying those at risk, for those diagnosed with cancer, and for those undergoing treatment for cancer (see Fig. 1). Oncology nurses have the potential to influence whether or not cutting-edge research

Scope of Oncology Nursing Practice

The scope of oncology nursing practice is defined through multiple mechanisms, including the scope and standards of practice published by the American Nurses Association5 and by individual state practice acts. Further refinement occurs through specialty nursing organizations. For example, the Oncology Nursing Society defines the scope of practice for oncology nurses6, 7 and the International Society of Nurses in Genetics, Inc., defines practice related to genetics and genomics nursing.8

Building

Competencies

The Essentials of Genetic and Genomic Nursing: Competencies, Curricula Guidelines, and Outcome Indicators, established by consensus, apply to all registered nurses.9 This resource assists the academic and continuing education nurse community to prepare the nursing workforce in genetics/genomics and provides a platform to build tools needed to achieve this goal. Guidance in curriculum design and course development is provided, enhanced by the addition of outcome indicators that consist of

Implications for Practice, Education, and Research

These scenarios illustrate some currently available health care implications of genetic and genomic discoveries. The potential benefits to individuals and their families can best be realized if oncology nurses are aware of, prepared for, and able to competently adopt options for personalized health care into their practice. This will require a commitment by the nurse to become adequately educated and knowledgeable about the relevancy of genetic/genomic information for every patient. Nursing

Conclusion

Oncology nurses have a wonderful opportunity to create the optimal care model for implementation and utilization of emerging genetic/genomic science that will make a difference in outcomes for patients and their families. The Essentials of Genetic and Genomic Nursing9 provides guidance for clinical integration. The case scenarios described illustrate the relevancy, opportunities, and possibilities for advancing oncology nursing competency and thus impacting quality patient care today and for

Jean Jenkins, PhD, RN, FAAN: Senior Clinical Advisor, National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD.

References (22)

  • Genetics and genomics nursing: scope and standards of nursing practice

    (2006)
  • Cited by (0)

    Jean Jenkins, PhD, RN, FAAN: Senior Clinical Advisor, National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD.

    View full text