Continuing education for nurses that incorporates genetics.
BACKGROUND
The discoveries of the Human Genome Project are bringing new knowledge of genetics to health and illness arenas. The nursing profession will need to incorporate these new advances into clinical practice, research, and education.


METHODS
A survey of 68 nursing specialty organizations was conducted to determine current and future offerings in genetics to members.


RESULTS
Responses from 43 organizations' top administrators who are influential in decisions regarding continuing education offerings revealed that 30% were planning to offer content in genetics in future programming. In contrast, none of the respondents had plans to present consumer perspectives of genetic illnesses.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this survey alert leaders in continuing education to the urgent need for dissemination of genetic advances to inform nurses in basic and advanced roles in health care delivery.
Department of Nursing, Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71999-0001, USA.
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D000575:American Nurses' Association; D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005823:Genetics / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D012956:Societies, Nursing; D013041:Specialties, Nursing / Q000193:education*; D014481:United States