Nurses' knowledge and educational needs regarding genetics

SummaryBackgroundNurses now require a basic knowledge of genetics to provide patient care in a range of settings.ObjectivesTo determine Turkish registered nurses' current knowledge and educational needs in relation to genetics.DesignA descriptive, cross-sectional study.SettingsTurkish registered nurses working in a university hospital in Turkey were recruited.ParticipantsAll registered nurses were invited to participate and 175 completed the study.MethodsThe survey instrument, basic knowledge of health genetics, confidence in knowledge and the nurses' need for genetics education were used to collect data.ResultsThe majority (81.1%, n = 142) of participants indicated that genetics was not taught during their degree program, although 53.1% to 96% of respondents felt confident in defining different genetic concepts. The average genetics knowledge score was 6.89 ± 1.99 of a possible 11 (range 0–11). The majority (70.3%) expressed a strong wish to attend a continuing nursing education program in genetics.ConclusionsThe study shows that although Turkish nurses are not sufficiently knowledgeable to apply genetics in practice, they are willing to have more education to support their care of patients. Nurses need to have more education related to genetics in accordance with advances in human genetics to optimize health care.