RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Few studies have focused on the genetic competencies of undergraduate nursing students. The aims of this study include measuring undergraduate nursing students' knowledge, perceived comfort, and attitude toward genetics, and gauging the effectiveness of a brief genetics education session. METHOD: Undergraduate nursing students (N = 32) were recruited to participate in a survey. A subset (n = 6) then participated in a 1-hour review of basic genetic concepts and activities, with applications to clinical scenarios. Both groups repeated the survey and their results were compared. RESULTS: Students attending the education session had higher knowledge scores than the control group and reported higher levels of comfort with genetics-related tasks. No differences in student attitudes exist. CONCLUSION: This pilot study suggests that a brief but focused education session can increase the level of genetics knowledge and comfort in undergraduate nursing students. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(3):170-173.].
