Nurses are recognized as having clinical and communication skills, a medical knowledge base, the ability to coordinate patient care, and a working knowledge of the health care system. With additional education and experience in genetics, nurses have the credentials to undertake professional roles and responsibilities in genetics fields. These opportunities range from care of patients with a specific genetic disorder, to dysmorphology assessment of newborns and children, to working as an advanced practice nurse in genetics within another nursing specialty, to being a nurse educator, to exploring genetics research in the nursing arena, to working with the National Institutes of Health, to an infinite number of other possibilities. The results will be compiled and used to direct efforts for nurses in genetics. Rather than pursuing a specific career, nurses may choose to develop a subspecialty in genetics.
Nurses can attend continuing education programs focusing in specific areas of genetics.
The nursing literature is addressing genetics-related topics. Genetics organizations, such as the American Society of Human Genetics, the American College of Medical Genetics and the National Society of Genetic Counselors, are also resources for genetics information and programs. Genes have been identified in association with site specific cancers, or cancer syndromes, for which testing is being actively pursued at both research and clinical levels. This arena is fraught with ethical, legal, psychosocial issues and professional quandaries. Furthermore, the general public is becoming increasingly aware of developments in genetics.