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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe the process of a leading a curriculum improvement project to enhance genetics content in a graduate nursing program.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will able to assess areas for faculty leadership in genetics and genomics curricular improvement in nursing education programs.
Genetics is an emerging field within the discipline of nursing. The forthcoming masters essentials in nursing emphasize the importance of genetics and genomics content in a MSN curriculum With scientific advancements driving curricular change there was a need to incorporate contemporary genetics/genomics knowledge to prepare nursing graduates with essential competencies for practice, education, and research.
Purpose: The primary purpose of this project was to assess, evaluate, and make recommendations to enhance the genetics and genomics content and experiences in a Masters of Science (MSN) nursing curriculum.
Methods: After developing a project timeline a descriptive survey was developed from a systematic review of the genetics and genomics literature and from essential topics from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing forthcoming document: The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing. Experts from the National Institutes of Health, leading genetics nursing faculty, and the Nursing Faculty Mentored Leadership Development Program (NFMLD) Faculty mentor provided suggestions in the development of the survey instrument. During the fall of 2010, the survey was administered to (N = 12) nurse educators responsible for teaching in 9 distinct MSN programs.
Results : A 100% return rate (n=12) was obtained and results indicated that multiple core courses were void of any genetics or genomics content. Based on the lack of content in core courses genetics and genomics modules the faculty member met with four faculty members teaching in the courses to develop modules for three courses (health policy, role of the advanced practice nurse, nursing informatics) to ensure that all MSN students receive foundational knowledge in genetics and genomics nursing. The changes will affect approximately 300 graduate students annually.
Discussion & Next Steps: To ensure successful curricular change, the program will need to continue to conduct formative and summative evaluations of the recommended curricular changes and student outcomes.
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