Genetics Nursing

[spammy_j]

Hi all,

I'm a second-year nursing student right now, studying for my BSN. I've been trying to do some research on various specialties with nursing in the last month or so, just to get a broader view of my options once I'm done with school. I came across what seems to be a very specific specialty of nursing in genetics and wanted to know if anyone had information on this.

I decided at 16 that I wanted to be a nurse, because I liked bio and psych in high school and was really attracted to the way bodies work. I've always been particularly interested in infants/fetal development/NICU, but I debated for several months whether I should be a nurse or go to med school to be a geneticist, because I am also highly interested in congenital disorders/diseases/defects and wasn't sure what I wanted to do. After much consideration I decided to continue with nursing, and have absolutely loved being in school. That being said though, I am still greatly interested in working with genetics and didn't realize until 2 weeks ago that I could potentially still have that option. From what I understand I would need to get an MSN, but I am not sure if I would specialize during that time, or become a PA first and then begin specializing in genetics. I've tried to find information online but I haven't been able to understand exactly how I would go about doing this.

I am completely willing to continue schooling after my BSN; I truly don't see myself not being in school for more than a few years at a time (unless I am financially unable to). I would like to get my MSN, perhaps an MA in Counseling, and at some point I would also like to get a PhD in nursing so I could be a professor in later years. Of course, before I can do all of that I need to finish my BSN first- but I like to keep an open mind and have plenty of plans for my distant future.

So all of that is to say, I am not hindered by having to be in school for however many years it would take for me to specialize in genetics with nursing (and I do want to be a nurse- not a doctor). However, I am not sure what all that job would entail, and how I would go into such a field. I've tried asking a couple of my professors but they don't know much about it.

And another question: I found a list of certified genetics nurses in the US and one of the only ones in VA happens to live in my town. Would it be okay for me to reach out to her and ask for information as well? I don't know much about professional protocol and I don't want to be rude.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

It would absolutely be OK to reach out to the genetics nurse in your area. Offer to buy them lunch in trade for an hour of their time. Be upfront that you are a student and are considering this as a career move AFTER gaining some work experience.

Truthfully, you'll get a much better idea of what is involved than you will here. Right form the horse's mouth and all.

[klone, MSN, RN]

There is also a graduate degree in genetic COUNSELING. That's maybe something you could pursue after you're done with your BSN. I am only aware of the program in my city, but I'm sure there are other programs.

Genetic Counseling Program | Graduate School | University of Colorado Denver