Genetic Nursing

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I was curious to see if anyone out there is a genetic nurse?

My original goal was to become a gemnetic counselor, but after my internship for 6 months I found that I was vering more towards nursing. I now know this is what I want to do. I was wondering if there were any genetic nurses out there (I'm not necessarily doing this, but I would like to gather all the info possible so I can make an informed decision when the time comes) so that I can pick their brains for a bit? :)

I have some questions such as, why did you pick genetic nursing over the genetic counseling masters? What are your every day duties as compared to a genetic counselor? And what sort of degrees/credentials do you have?

I have been to the Internation Society of Nurses in Genetics website, http://www.isong.org/ as well as the genetic nurses site at http://www.geneticnurse.org/ ... what I found interesting is that there is a certification for Master's level nursing for a genetics credential... does anyone out there have this? Or has anyone heard of it or know anyone who has undergone this certification? Also, does being a clinical genetic nurse, as stated by their requirements, mean that your Masters work has to be clinical rather than practitioner?

Thank you ahead of time for any info anyone has out there!!

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Specializes in PCU, ICU, PACU.

Just bumping this because I'm wanting to know the answers too. I'm thinking along the lines of getting a FNP and then going back for the Masters in Genetic Counseling.

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Actually, my original plan was to get my Master's in Genetic Counseling. I even did a 6 month internship shadowing one. then I ran into these two sites, and called one of the numbers. It was there that the nurse recommended that I just get my RN and that I'd be able to do counseling as one, and then get the certification mentioned on one of the sites based on experience...

they were very helpful if you call and such, it really opened my eyes to how much more opportunity I would have as a nurse versus the GC route.

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Specializes in NP, ICU, ED, Pre-op.

Hi,

I don't know if this will help you, but I just graduated from Emory and my genetics teacher is fabulous. I am sure she could give you all of the info you need.

here is her email.....not sure how often she checks it.

Her name is Lynette Wright, MN, CNS, CGC

[email protected]

Hope this helps :)

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