A “How to” Approach: Genetics, Genomics and Pharmacogenomics for Advanced Practice Nursing Education

A “How to” Approach:  Genetics, Genomics and Pharmacogenomics for Advanced Practice Nursing Education

Current advances in genetics, genomics and pharmacogenomics are outpacing the knowledge base in advanced practice nurses trained and prepared to provide care in acute, urban or rural community settings. However, patients and families are becoming increasingly involved in personalized medicine, predictive and direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and use of targeted therapies.  Based on this widening gap and growing demands for genetics and genomics care, The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recently adopted the Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricular Guidelines for Genetics and Genomics in its AACN Essentials recommendations to appropriately prepare the future NPs. These guidelines are requirements for implementation into master’s and doctorate–level nursing education programs.  At the Graduate School of Nursing Worcester we have revised and implemented genetics and genomics content to include these guidelines, and dedicated specific courses in the core curriculum to prepare both master’s and doctoral-level nurse practitioners. The innovative methodology of hybrid courses was adopted to deliver content that include classical genetics, molecular genetics, population genomics, and pharmacogenomics. The course work includes case studies, group work, web-based virtual labs, live and virtual “patient as teachers”, and interprofessional collaboration from within our academic health science center setting.  Our curriculum strives to provide NP and DNP/PhD students with knowledge and skills that will be utilized for appropriate risk assessment, genetic testing and counseling referrals, follow-up preventative care and early detection services, including patient/family resources. Our courses also include a module on the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomics, and health disparities, financial aspects and psychosocial supportive needs for at-risk patients and their families.