The competencies were developed on the basis of the following:

• the results of a review of peer-reviewed published work reporting practice-based genetic and genomic competencies, guidelines, and recommendations

• input from nurse representatives to the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG) in January, 2005

• public comment from the nursing community at large

• statements from conference attendees during open comment periods during the two-day meeting of key stakeholders held September 21 and 22, 2005

The competencies are based on the state of the evidence available at the time they were developed and reflect the MINIMAL amount of genetic and genomic competency expected by every nurse. These competencies reflect a consensus and are NOT from any Federal Agency or single Nursing Organization and are applicable to the practice of all registered nurses regardless of academic preparation, practice setting, role, or specialty.

Next Steps for the Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines for Genetics and Genomics

The American Nurses Association and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) of the National Institutes of Health, with a consensus panel of key organizations have published the essential genetic and genomic competencies for all registered nurses, regardless of level of academic preparation, practice setting, or specialty. A PDF of that publication, Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines for Genetics and Genomics can be downloaded from this site.

The organizations are meeting on October 22-24, 2006 at the American Nurses Association Headquarters to develop a strategic plan to disseminate the competencies to nurses in every workplace so they can be prepared to integrate clinical advances in genetics and genomics into healthcare as indicated by their practice. Stakeholders from educational institutions, professional associations, certifying bodies and regulatory agencies will also hear about the latest progress in genetics and genomics and report on their organizations current activities related to preparing their constituency in genetics and genomics.

“Genomic competencies are absolutely crucial for nursing practice because essentially all diseases and conditions have a genetic or genomic component,” said President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. “ANA is extremely honored to play a role in the development of these curricula for all registered nurses and believes these competencies must be integrated into the Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, established by ANA in 2004, to promote competent nursing care as genetic and genomic science redefine healthcare.”

Jean F. Jenkins, PhD, RN, FAAN of the National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH and co-chair to the project’s Steering Committee adds, “As the continuum of human health and illness evolves, it is imperative to incorporate the genetic and genomic perspective into nursing education and practice. ANA has been especially instrumental in logistically supporting the development of these guidelines, and we are excited to provide all registered nurses with this vital information.”

Watch this site for specific plans to get this project moving forward. Download a copy of Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines for Genetics and Genomics, or a hard copy may be obtained by request from NHGRI, NIH Bldg. 31 Rm. 4B09, Bethesda, MD 20892-2152.