Find a Career as a Genetics Nurse?

Answer 1

Genetics nurses primarily work in inheritance and hereditary traits of diseases and ailments in patients. Their work is comprehensive and ever-changing, daily challenging them to push the forefront of medical research and practice. Diseases that genetics nurses work with include various types of cancer, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even heart disease. The talented men and women in this field compile a complete medical and familial history of each individual patient in order to gain a better understanding of the condition with which their patients are afflicted with, this challenging field brings out the best and the brightest in the field of nursing in order to further general knowledge of hereditary ailments while improving the hospital’s capacity to assist its patients.

In order to become a genetics nurse, first one must complete the requirements to becoming a general nurse. This involves completing a two year associate’s program, a certificate program from an accredited nursing school, or a four year bachelor’s program from an accredited university. Though the choice is entirely up to the individual as to which option to take, it should be noted that as genetics nursing is a highly specialized field, it would behoove the candidate to have as strong of an educational background as possible. To that point, most hospitals and private clinics look more favorably upon applicants who have completed four year programs. Following the individual’s completion of his or her nursing program, it’s necessary to complete the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse, or NCLEX-RN.

After becoming an officially licensed nurse, the candidate must also acquire at least 5 years of clinical experience working in genetics. This can be facilitated by expressing particular interest in working in genetics during the applicant’s job interview process, or completing an internship or job shadow in a particularly genetics-intensive hospital or clinic. Most hospitals also prefer that candidates have a master’s degree in genetic nursing, which can be acquired through a program of study at an accredited university. Interested parties can also get a professional Genetics Clinical Nurse certification by successfully passing a test administered by the Genetic Nursing Credentialing Commission, or GNCC.

With an employment potential that’s expecting to grow 24% in the next five years and an average annual salary of $46,000, becoming a genetics nurse is a great option for parties who are seeking an exciting and rewarding on the front of the medical field.