Dear Editor:

I am writing in response to Jenkins’ OJIN article, "An Historical Perspective on Genetic Care." Reading about the history of genetics, from its infancy in the days of Mendel to the most recent Human Genome Project (HGP), motivated me to think about the impact these discoveries will have on the future of nursing and healthcare. Knowing that within the next few years I may need to provide patient and family teaching regarding genetics care, obtain informed consent for genetic testing, and possibly interpret the results of genetic testing causes me great trepidation because I know so little about these matters. While my faculty have mentioned genetic testing and its therapeutic potential for conditions such as sickle cell disease and cancer, I don't feel prepared for teaching about genetic care to be a part of my everyday work responsibilities. Yet, Jenkins stresses that patient care is directly influenced by the confidence and competence of nurses.

Because I am concerned for future nursing students, I am compelled to stress with nursing professors the benefits of integrating new genetic care knowledge into the curriculum. For nurses who have already completed their formal education, continuing education programs for genetics care are essential. With the inevitable emergence of new discoveries and treatments, the nurse of today must recognize that to be an asset tomorrow, education must be viewed as a life-long process.

Roletta Bryant-Harris
BSN Nursing Student
Armstrong Atlantic State University
Savannah, GA

Go to the topic.
Reply by author Jean Jenkins.

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