| This is a research study pertaining to the genetics education of certified nurse midwives. The need for genetics education for nurses has been recognized and is the subject of research. Nurse midwifery is an advanced nursing specialty centering on the care of women. Nurse midwives have a large degree of autonomy and assume a great deal of responsibility during the prenatal care of women, necessitating a thorough genetics education.;This paper examines current literature regarding genetics education for nurses and nurse midwives, educational resources in genetics, and recommendations that have been made regarding expanding genetics education. This literature was used in combination with a small survey of program directors of midwifery programs. The research was done for the purpose of understanding how to best enhance genetics education in this profession and can hopefully serve as an initial step toward the creation of educational material targeted to nurse midwives.;Research has shown that advanced practice nursing students and practicing midwives feel they receive an insufficient amount of genetics education. Additionally, a survey of program directors of nurse midwifery programs showed that program directors feel students are not well prepared in genetics. In the current study, a majority of surveyed program directors plan to expand genetics education within their programs in spite of constraints such as lack of qualified faculty and limited time and space in the curriculum. |
