Teaching/Learning Strategies to Integrate Genetics and Genomics into Undergraduate Nursing Education

Genetic and genomic science is redefining the understanding of the continuum of human health and illness.  As a new required competency for 21^st century baccalaureate nursing students, providing  crucial information as outlined by the AACN Essential Competencies for Genetics and Genomics is paramount for the nursing practice.  How a nursing curriculum prepares these millennial nurses to function at their highest capacity depends on how genetics and genomics are integrated into the curriculum. Integrating genetics and genomics as a stand-alone course needs to be innovative and creative while teaching the scientific content. The implications of genetics and genomics for nurses are becoming more evident, not only in the care provided but also in the numerous medications administered. Genetic causes are being discovered for an increasing number of chronic illnesses and diseases.  By exploring innovative and creative formats, nurse educators will learn how to enhance their students learning process to become active participants, engaged and focused as they learn to apply their knowledge of genetics and genomics.  In addition, exploring group activities such as developing a Wiki on a specific genetic condition that will then be  incorporated into a group presentation, provides for collaborative learning. This presentation will explore the application of a genetics and genomics course into an undergraduate curriculum to provide the most up-to-date information, utilizing innovative teaching strategies for the 21^st century nursing student. Providing our future nurses with the basic genetic literacy level is fundamental if nursing education is to remain at the forefront of health care. This presentation will explore the implication of integrating genetics and genomics into nursing curriculum; identify essential competencies for nurses and explore innovative teaching/learning strategies to provide for active learning.