Abstract

Background: Genomic sequencing is used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to diagnose babies with genetic disorders. Purpose: To explore the experiences and knowledge of nurses working in NICUs related to genomic sequencing. Methods: This was a mixed-methods, cross-sectional descriptive survey of NICU nurses attending a national conference. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were coded into categories and themes. Results: Of 188 NICU nurses, nearly half reported experience with genomic sequencing. Among nurses with experience, 62.7% rated the amount of discussion they had with families about genomic sequencing as "0". Additionally, 72.7% of participants reported feeling unprepared to discuss genomic sequencing. NICU nurses identified potential harms and benefits associated with disclosing incidental findings, and most (83.6%) were in support of revealing incidental findings. Conclusions: To better support NICU families, nurses need to increase their understanding of genomic sequencing and increase their ability to provide genomics-informed nursing care.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Nursing; Nursing

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2022-08-03

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd12973

Keywords

communication, genomic sequencing, NICU, registered nurse, genomics-informed nursing care

Language

english

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

COinS