Genetic Core Competencies: Exploring the Implications for Psychiatric Nursing

Abstract

Psychiatric nurses need to become knowledgeable about the basics of genetics and then keep up-to-date with the rapid explosion of genetics information and applications to clinical practice. The Human Genome Project has produced a map of the human genome composed of all the genetic information that makes up a human being. As a result, focus has been on genetic-related research, and a significant amount of media attention has been directed to the findings. This article provides information that psychiatric nurses need to move into the genetic era of health care, to be able to respond to questions, and to provide supportive care to patients.