Within the nursing sector are a number of exciting career options one being that of a Genetics Nurse. This medical professional has the role of working with patients needing assistance with hereditary diseases. In addition to assessing patient need and then developing an appropriate treatment plan, this type of nurse would also need to work closely with family members on a plan for ongoing patient care.
Genetics Nursing Career , Role of a Genetics Nurse
A career as a Genetics Nurse is multifaceted. For starters, this person would be responsible for evaluating the needs of a patient, as well as recording and updating patient information, checking vital signs, assessing potential risk for the hereditary disease being passed down to other generations, and educating the patient but also family members about proper care in a home environment. For a Genetics Nurse to be able to provide education to patients on risks factors and gene analysis, the person who chooses this type of nursing career would be responsible for ongoing research.
Typically, a Genetics Nurse works in a hospital or long-term care facility, assisting with pain management for patients, providing ways for patients to regain and maintain mobility, and overcome a variety of physical and mental issues that go along with the medical condition that has been passed down to them. Due to the challenges associated with working as a Genetics Nurse, this is an ideal career option for the person interested in a medical professional but who also enjoy the investigative side of life.
Genetics Nurse Educational Requirements
To work as a Genetics Nurse, a person only needs to be a Licensed Practical Nurse, which can be achieved after earning a two-year Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree. However, for the better opportunities as a Genetics Nurse and higher salary range, it is recommended that this person be a currently licensed Registered Nurse by earning at minimum, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Of course, for a more advanced placement in the genetics field, having a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree would be necessary. In addition, by earning a Master’s degree and becoming a Registered Nurse, the individual would have the option of becoming certified in genetics, which means even more career opportunities and even greater income.
Genetics Nurse Salaries
Not only is the work as a Genetics Nurse exciting and rewarding but the pay scale is attractive. On average, a Registered Nurse would expect to make around $60,000 a year although those with a Master’s degree or extensive experience in the genetics field would make substantially more, as well as have additional opportunities within this same nursing arena. In fact, if wanted, a Genetics Nurse can choose a certain type or group of person to work with or choose to work with patients living with a specific disease, which may impact salary.
For instance, the Genetics Nurse who also becomes certified as a Nurse Midwife would have incredible opportunities working with families who want children but face challenges of genetic problems. In situations such as this, it would be expected to earn a little more although geographic location, the facility being worked for, and any additional certifications in genetics would also be factors.
Genetics Nurse Opportunities
In recent years, scientists and researchers have uncovered important things about genetics, which gives hope to families for a better future. However, even with some hereditary diseases being controlled, there will always be issues relating to genetics, which is why a career as a Genetics Nurse is a sound decision with many incredible possibilities currently and in the future.
