THE ROLE AND PRACTICE OF THE GENETIC NURSE - REPORT OF THE AGNC WORKING PARTY

The role of the genetic nurse has evolved historically with the emerge nce of clinical genetics in the field of health care. During 1994, a P ractice Working Party was convened by the Genetic Nurses and Social Wo rkers Association in response to discussion about the role of the nurs e within and between regional genetics centres. The Working Party cond ucted a study of the current nursing practice and attitudes of nurses and clinicians to the nursing role, as a basis for future discussion a nd planning for educational needs. This paper describes the role of th e genetic nurse within the United Kingdom and offers suggestions for a ssessment of competency. Strong themes emerging from respondents' comm ents include the need and desire for multi-professional team work, and it is apparent that most respondents felt the families' needs would b est be served by a skilful combination of medical and nursing input, r ather than adherence to traditional roles.