ACTG: Assessment of Curricula in Teaching Genetics in Nursing

Saturday, 16 November 2013

Tracy Brock Lowe, MS, RN
Elizabeth Cameron Hassen, MSN, RN, OCN
School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC

Learning Objective 1: To describe genetic and genomic content in the Baccalaureate and Masters of Science in nursing curricula in the Clemson University School of Nursing.

Learning Objective 2: To compare genetic knowledge among current populations of Baccalaureate and Masters of Science nursing students in the Clemson University School of Nursing.

The purpose of this research is to explore the integration of genetic and genomic content within both didactic and clinical components of the Baccalaureate and Masters of Science in nursing curricula in the Clemson University School of Nursing.  With genetics and genomics redefining traditional healthcare, there is a recognized need for genetic concepts to be taught within undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula.  The AACN Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (2008), AACN Essentials of Master' Education in Nursing (2011), Essentials of Genetic and Genomic Nursing:  Competencies, Curricula Guidelines, and Outcome Indicators (2008), and Essential Genetic and Genomic Competencies for Nurses with Graduate Degrees (2011) provide guidelines for the identification of the integrated genetic content within the nursing curricula.  The goals of this research are to assess current genetic content and application in the Clemson University nursing curricula and to evaluate genetic knowledge among the current populations of nursing students at various levels throughout the program. This unique research will involve curriculum assessment using the following techniques:  course syllabi and calendar reviews, textbook reviews with faculty surveys and/or interviews.  Current student knowledge will be assessed using the Genetic Literacy Assessment Instrument (GLAI) (Bowling, 2008).  Outcomes of this research will identify areas of strong versus limited genetic content within the levels of the nursing curricula.  Based on study findings, recommendations and changes will be made to ensure that all guidelines and competencies are being met within the Clemson University School of Nursing curricula and that graduates are assured of current genetic and genomic knowledge that can be applied in the changing healthcare arena.