To successfully complete this virtual escape room, it is imperative that participants thoroughly review and complete Learning Modules 1-3 available on the Linkage Nursing Genomics website.

Learning Outcomes

  • Discuss fundamental concepts of genetics including the structure of DNA, cell replication, mitosis, meiosis, and components of the central dogma
  • Learn implications of how genetics as a social determinant of health impacts nursing practice
  • Explain additional fundamental genetic concepts of inheritance (including building pedigrees), phenotype vs genotype, variations and polymorphisms
  • Describe how to incorporate assessment of genetic red flags in nursing assessments
  • Describe the implications of understanding genetic inheritance to nursing practice
  • Understand the biological basis of genetic disorders, encompassing chromosomal abnormalities and single-gene variations
  • Learn how to integrate knowledge of genetic inheritance and genetic testing into your nursing assessment
  • Understand the pattern of single gene inheritance

These learning outcomes are acquired from Linkage Nursing Genomics Learning Modules 1-3.

https://linkage.trubox.ca/learning-modules/

Reflective Questions

  • Reflect on ways you can incorporate genetics and genomics conversations into your future day to day nursing practice. For example, how might you routinely ask about family history of early onset conditions during health assessments?
  • How might you build and memorize a few clear and confident statements to introduce genetic concepts to patients? How can you personalize these statements based on the patient’s background, readiness, and health literacy?
  • Reflect on how you could use structured approaches to genetic assessment in clinical settings. How might you integrate steps such as identifying genetic red flags, reviewing family history, and determining when referral to genetic counselling is appropriate?
  • Reflect on how understanding chromosomal abnormalities and gene variations can influence the way you educate and advocate for patients and families. How might this knowledge shape the way you explain conditions, risks, and care options?
  • Consider the communication elements involved in discussing inheritance patterns, genetic testing, or chromosomal conditions. Which of these communication strategies can also support other preventative or educational conversations in nursing?
  • Reflect on barriers patients may face when accessing genetic services. How can you advocate for improved access in your daily practice? Consider financial, geographic, cultural, literacy, and system level barriers.

Resources

Genomic competencies

Websites

Journal articles

  • Calzone, K. A., Stokes, L., Peterson, C. & Badzek, L. (2024). Update to the essential genomic nursing competencies and outcome indicators. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 00, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12993
  • Dewell, S. L., Muglia, K. A., Graves, L. Y., Joseph, R., Mangold, K. L., Roselli, L. G., Ersig, A. L., & Walker, T. K. (2024). Essentials of genomics in nursing undergraduate education: A discussion paper. Nurse education in practice, 81, 104175. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2024.10417
  • Keels, J. N., Thomas, J., Calzone, K. A., Badzek, L., Dewell, S., Murthy, V., O’Shea, R., Tonkin, E. T., & Dwyer, A. A. (2024). Consumer-oriented (patient and family) outcomes from nursing in genomics: A scoping review of the literature (2012–2022). Frontiers in Genetics, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2024.1481948
  • Thomas, J.; Keels, J.; Calzone, K.A.; Badzek, L.; Dewell, S.; Patch, C.; Tonkin, E.T.; & Dwyer, A.A. (2023) Current state of genomics in nursing: A scoping review of healthcare provider oriented (clinical and educational) outcomes (2012–2022). Genes, 14(11), 2013. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112013
  • Walker, T., Ersig, A. L., Dwyer, A. A., Kronk, R., Snyder, C. T., Whitt, K., & Willis, V. (2024). Integrating genomics and precision health knowledge into practice: A guide for nurse practitioners. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 36(10), 554–562. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000001050
  • Dewell, S., & Walker, T. (Eds.). (2025). Health and genes: Expanding foundational nursing knowledge. Nursing Clinics of North America, 60(2), 217–398. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/nursing-clinics-of-north-america/vol/60/issue/2

These resources have been compiled from the Linkage Genomics website and additional resources can be accessed through this link https://linkage.trubox.ca/resources/

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