Genetics in the NICU: Nurses’ Perceived Knowledge and Desired Education

Abstract

Background. Many infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have genetic conditions. Previous research has shown that gaps exist in the genetics knowledge of nurses and that they lack comfort applying genetics information to clinical practice. Studies assessing the knowledge or comfort of NICU nurses with genetics have not previously been completed. Method. A total of 122 NICU nurses completed a survey assessing perceived knowledge of genetics, comfort with clinical scenarios involving genetics, and desired genetics education. Results. Perceived knowledge and overall comfort were correlated with highest degree received, how prepared a nurse felt by the genetics education received in their training, and having a close relationship with someone with a genetic condition. Almost all respondents (96%, n = 117) desired additional genetics education. Conclusion. Gaps exist in the genetics knowledge of neonatal nurses in our cohort, and their overall comfort working with clinical scenarios involving genetics was low. There is significant interest in additional genetics education.