Impact of a Professional Development Course for Doctoral Nurses and Students on Genomic Conceptual Knowledge and Competencies.

BACKGROUND: Universally, nurses' limited educational opportunities to expand their genomic literacy may have implications on patient care management, research, and training.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of a self-paced online course on genomic knowledge and competency acquisition in a sample of nurses possessing a doctoral degree and doctoral students.

METHODS: Pre- and postcourse data were collected using the "Genomic Nursing Concept Inventory" (GNCI) (N = 129) and a self-report survey based on the Essential Genetic and Genomic Competencies for Nurses with Graduate Degrees (N = 131).

RESULTS: GNCI scores in all 4 topical categories and in 9 of the 16 domains significantly improved. All Genetic Competency scores significantly improved. Significant correlations were observed between Genetic Competency self-ratings and GNCI scores precourse and change of scores.

CONCLUSIONS: The positive outcomes should encourage the development of more accessible educational opportunities for nurses and other healthcare professionals to improve genomic literacy and competency.