Purpose: To describe the development and process of consensus used to establish essential genetic and genomic nursing competencies relevant to the entire nursing profession in the United States (US) regardless of academic preparation, role, practice setting, or clinical specialty.
Organizing construct: Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory applied to the adoption of genetics and genomics as the central science for health care.
Methods: Multiphased national nursing initiative to develop, refine, and establish with consensus essential competencies in genetics and genomics for all nurses.
Findings: Genetics and genomics have emerged as the central science for health care in the 21st century, transforming recommendations for nursing education, practice, regulation and quality control.
Conclusion: The Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines for Genetics and Genomics indicate the minimal criteria for competency in genetics and genomics for the entire nursing profession in the US.