Genetic Testing and Nursing Reflection Term Paper

This past two weeks have been really helpful for deepening my understanding of how nursing practice can have a direct impact on population health as well as improving individual health outcomes. Week one was particularly challenging as we addressed the principles of genetics, from the basic structures of DNA and RNA, to their functions in the body and throughout the life span. I had learned about replication, transcription, and translation earlier in biology classes, but this course material was presented at a higher level of learning. Also, this week’s material showed how I would apply this knowledge to practice, such as by analyzing cellular and chromosomal events with the goal of helping patients make informed decisions. We continued our learning about inheritance and genetics in the second week. This week proved particularly illuminating because of the interface between genetic testing and bioethics. Screening and diagnosis are poignant ethical issues when it comes to reproductive rights, access to technologies linked to wealth disparities, and also issues related to patient autonomy. It is also important to consider the limitations of genetic testing (Lea, Williams & Donohue, 2005). Therefore, it was helpful to think more deeply and critically about how I might someday become more involved in public policy or advocacy related to genetic testing. I believe that genomic testing has tremendous benefits for improving patient outcomes and for promoting overall population health goals.

Our focus shifted somewhat during weeks three and four. We learned about some of the prevailing models nurses can use to create multigenerational family health histories, going beyond the genogram. We also learned about the range of physical assessments that take into account risk factors and exposure to environmental toxins. The complex interactions between genetics and environment is something that all nurses must contemplate at some point, and I feel more empowered and competent now delivering care within the evidence-based practice model. I believe it is critical to start offering genomics testing whenever possible, expanding funding in these critical areas of research.

One of the most salient ways nature and nurture interact in human health is with nutrition. We all know people whose lives are spent dedicated to healthy eating but who still develop disease, and vice-versa, the people who treat their bodies poorly their entire lives but who live to be a long age. Nutrition certainly does influence health, but the role genetics play in this…