Honours Bachelor of Science - Nursing Degree

Honours Bachelor of Science, nursing Nursing, Nurses

Genetics & Genomics

Definition:

It's important to define and distinguish genetics and genomics in the practice of nursing:

  • Genetics involves the study of specific genes and their roles in disease inheritance
  • Genomics involves the study of all genes (the genome) and how interactions of the genome with the environment affect health and disease susceptibility

Genetics/genomics nursing practice focuses on the actual and potential impact of genetic and genomic influences on health.  Nurses advise and educate clients and families on influences that might impact their health, identify and manage physiologic responses. The goals of the nursing interventions are to:

  • Optimize health
  • Reduce health risks
  • Treat disease
  • Promote wellness

Check out the following videos developed by the Canadian Nursing and Genomics Steering Committee:

The following health and nursing organizations provide insightful information on the significance of genomics and genetics in nursing practice:

Lastly, please check out this great OER textbook by Andrea Gretchev and a toolkit to inform your knowledge of genomics and genetics in nursing:

 

From: International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG) - Standards of Practice

The Canadian Landscape of Genetics and Genomics in Nursing: A Policy Document Analysis - PMC