Testing for gene and genetic counseling has gain a lot more popularity over the decade. Last April the NCAA Division I Legislative Council approved mandatory testing of student athletes to determine if they are carriers of a potentially deadly sickle cell trait. What most do not know is how this affects a student athlete's future. Sickle cell trait (SCT) is not the disease but has been closely linked to many deaths amongst athletes during intense physical exertion. The pathology is quiet simple. Individuals with SCT still carry an abnormal hemoglobin (S) that can potentially sickle, (change shape) blocking normal blood flow to tissues and muscles, when experiencing hypoxia and dehydration eventually leading to sudden collapse or death. Although many will still refused testing due to the potential discrimination they might face when learning that they carry the trait. There are still preventative actions to take when individuals have SCT. Individuals with SCT are generally healthy and are still able to participate in sports but must take precautions not to overly exercise and to stay hydrated.
The point of this blog is to encourage nurses to be more involve in genetics. Nurses will play an increasing role in genetics. Advances in DNA technology are leading to major developments in nursing practice in clinical genetics, including the creation of new roles for nurses who care for people with genetic conditions. Application of genetic information and testing is moving genetics into the mainstream of health care. Therefore, it is anticipated that nurses in all areas of practice will become more involved in the provision of information about genetic testing and assisting individuals and families in decision making and adjustment to new genetic information. (Lea, Williams and Tinley, 1994)
Study also show that a number of nurses admitted that they had insufficient knowledge about the genetic basis of disease inheritance patterns, ethical and legal issues, genetic counseling, gene testing and genetic engineering . A number of nurses also stated they would like to attend a training course on these subjects. (Tomatir et al. 2006).
The following are list of reliable resources that will help your understanding of genetics and how nurses are involve.
Lea, D. H., Williams, J. K., & Tinley, S. T. (1994). Nursing and Genetic Healthcare [Electronic version]. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 3(2), 113-124. doi:10.1007/BF01423173
Tomatir AG, Sorkun HC, Demirhan H, & Akdag B. (2006). Nurses' professed knowledge of genetics and genetic counseling. The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine. 210(4), 321-32.
The International Society of Nurses in Genetics website explores resources and knowledge of human genetics into nursing practice, education and research activities. The site is easy to navigate which has a forum of education and support to nurses providing genetic healthcare services.
This site are list of PDF files which provides a pathway of activities involving genetic knowledge, skills, and attitudes which may be carried out by non-genetics healthcare staff.
This site provides useful information about genetic testing at which how genetic testing is done to look for certain genes and mutations. This site also explains the limitation of genetic testing at which it can be use for decision making.
This site provides information about genetics along with examples of some genetic disorders.
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