Nurses and Genetics and Genomics

A new series of webinars hosted by the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing dives into genetics and genomics, how genetics and genomics are changing the future of care as well as the present, and where nurses fit in.

One in 10 patients have a genetic component to their condition, and more patients are gaining access to their genetic data. Increasingly, genomic testing helps diagnose rare disease and better diagnoses sub-type of common conditions. What’s more, scientific breakthroughs in genomic data are building the potential for personalized medicine, medical treatments informed by a person’s unique molecular and genetic profile.

Nurses have a special ability to communicate with individuals and families, especially in helping them understand the role of genetics in the condition, in identifying genetic risk, and helping families manage genetic information and conditions. We must incorporate genetics and genomics into nursing education at all levels of academic preparation.

This webinar series was coordinated by assistant professor Nicole Mollenkopf, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, FSMSO. Funding support provided by the Nurse Support Program II, administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission funded under the auspices of the Health Services Cost Review Commission.

#GeneticsGenomics​: Genetics of the Newborn Screen

Do you have questions about newborn screening in the state of Maryland? Genetics of the Newborn Screen discusses the purpose and process of newborn screening to identify inborn errors of metabolism and personal patient experience in receiving positive screening results. The discussion centers around the important roles nurses have in identification and management of families and infants from pre-test to results.

Moderator:

• Carolyn Applegate, MGC, CGC, Genetic Counselor, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Panelists:

• Johnna Watson, RN, BSN, Maryland Newborn Screening Program
• Celide Koerner, RN, MSRD, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
• Kristen Byrnes, CRNP, Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Gerald Raymond, MD, Director of the Lysosomal Storage Disease Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

#GeneticsGenomics​: What We Say Matters

How do you discuss family history and genetic issues with your patients and the public? What We Say Matters discusses best practices for how nurses and others address sensitive issues, strong emotions, and cultural differences related to genetics. It also discusses how to incorporate genetic risk and family resilience in your health assessments.

Moderator:

• Joann Bodurtha, MD, MPH

Panelists:

• Carolyn Applegate, MGC, CGC
• Colleen Gioffreda, BS
• Lindsay Kwong, DNP, FNP-C
• Carla McGruder, MS, CGC
• Nicole Thompson, MS, CGC
• Crystal Tichnell, MCG, RN

#GeneticsGenomics​: Engaging Nurses in Genetics, the Future is Here

The field of genetics and genomics is revolutionizing how human health and disease are conceptualized, diagnosed and managed.
In Engaging Nurses in Genetics, the Future is Here, Drs. Patch and Metcalfe discuss practical methods and guidance to empower nurses to use genetics and genomics in real-world care.

Speakers:

• Dr. Alison Metcalfe, Sheffield Hallam University
• Dr. Christine Patch, Wellcome Connecting Science Society of Ethics Research