‘Omics’ viewed as essential nursing competency

With the increasing focus on precision medicine, integrating genetic and genomic knowledge (collectively known as “omics” sciences) has become an essential competency in nursing care, research and education, according to nurse researchers writing in the American Journal of Nursing (AJN). “Advances in genetic and genomic research, combined with the rapid development of new technologies, have reshaped our understanding of health and disease processes,” they wrote. “These sciences are now an integral part of health care delivery, with nurses and nurse scientists at the forefront, implementing and adapting genomic technologies in the clinical setting while advancing knowledge in these areas.” The authors urge the inclusion of omics content on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and in continuing education courses for practicing nurses. The American Nursing Association and the International Society of Nurses in Genetics have published “essentials” documents for undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, which can guide these activities.