PURPOSE: The purpose of this review article is to introduce how the Korean Society of Genetic Nursing (KSGN) has evolved and tried to translate genomic knowledge to nursing practice, and then to suggest the future role of genetic nurses in Korea. METHODS: A literature review was performed and the current status of genetic counselling in Korea was explored. Then the educational and clinical experiences of the authors were incorporated. Finally, the main activities of Korean nursing for genetics were identified. RESULTS: Two types of genetic counsellor certification have been issued in Korea: one is issued by the Korean Society of Genetic Medicine, another by the Korean Society of Breast Cancer since June 2011. A few Korean nursing researchers have continuously performed research related to genetic nursing and undertook several research projects funded by the government since 2003. In February 2011, KSGN was established and is now trying to establish further international networks. CONCLUSION: Nursing genetic experts should be trained to integrate all specialties for genetic counselling, so they can provide holistic genetic services including ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI).
Breast Neoplasms ; Certification ; Financial Management ; Genetic Counseling ; Genetic Services ; Genetics ; Genomics ; History of Nursing ; Korea ; Nursing ; Nursing Research ; Oncology Nursing* ; Professional Role

PURPOSE: This study identifies correlations among information needs and knowledge about prenatal genetic screening and diagnosis (I-PGSD & K-PGSD), and attitude toward terminating pregnancy (ATP) among pregnant women in South Korea. METHODS: A descriptive survey was conducted from January 2013 to April 2014 in South Korea. 222 pregnant women responded to three questionnaires developed by the authors. The questionnaire for I-PGSD consisted of 19 questions; 18 questions for K-PGSD; and 10 questions for ATP. RESULTS: Mean scores were 80.46±11.73 for I-PGSD; 14.86±3.74 for K-PGSD; and 33.71±6.13 for ATP. The ATP score was positively correlated with the I-PGSD and K-PGSD scores, but statistically significant with only I-PGSD (p=.006). I-PGSD scores were higher than average on three genetic syndromes (Down, Patau, and Edwards syndrome), on management after the diagnosis of positive fetal aneuploidy, and on test result interpretation after the amniocentesis and level II fetal ultrasonogram. CONCLUSION: In light of current legal and moral controversy regarding terminating pregnancy and rapidly advancing prenatal genetic testing technology, more prenatal genetic education for nurses and nursing students who teach pregnant women is needed. In addition, more professional counseling services provided by trained nurses are also required.
Adenosine Triphosphate ; Amniocentesis ; Aneuploidy ; Counseling ; Diagnosis* ; Education ; Female ; Genetic Testing* ; Humans ; Korea* ; Pregnancy* ; Pregnant Women* ; Students, Nursing ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine associations between job stress and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMS) in street sanitation workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 87 male street sanitation workers at E Gu in Seoul. The Job stress and WRMS were measured by using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form and the KOSHA GUIDE H-9-2012 instrument, respectively. The WRMS was evaluated according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health criteria. RESULTS: The participants reported greater levels of insufficient job control and interpersonal conflict than the general Korean population. Of the participants, 44.8% reported WRMS at any body parts. Specifically, 28.7% reported WRMS at upper parts, while 16.5% reported WRMS at lower parts. Compared to low levels of job demand, its high levels were significantly associated with WRMS at both upper and lower parts of the body (OR=3.62, 95% CI=1.15~11.38; OR=3.60, 95% CI=1.04~12.39). Compared to low levels of occupational climate, its high levels were significantly associated with WRMS at upper parts of the body (OR=3.18, 95% CI=1.22~8.26). CONCLUSION: Among street sanitation workers, job stress may be a correlate of WRMS. Therefore, nursing strategies for reducing job stress are needed to prevent and manage WRMS.
Climate ; Human Body ; Humans ; Male ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Occupational Health ; Sanitation* ; Stress, Psychological

PURPOSE: There recurred controversies related to legal allowance of abortion since newly advancing prenatal genetic testing technology. This survey was aimed to identify the attitudes toward marriage, and pregnancy (AMP) and terminating pregnancy (ATP) among Korean nursing students. METHOD: A descriptive study was performed from October to November 2012 in South Korea. 424 nursing students responded to two types of tools developed by authors. Questionnaire for ATP is consisted of 10 items with 5-points Likert Scale. Questionnaire for AMP is 12 items containing 5 categories. RESULTS: Mean score of ATP was 36.90. Students that are enrolled in bachelor degree had a significant higher ATP. Students who are currently dating with an opposite gender showed much higher level of ATP than those are not. Lower group of delayed the time of getting marriage and pregnancy showed highest score of ATP, significantly. CONCLUSION: Individual factor must be primarily considered when assessing ATP of nursing students, for example current relationship with opposite gender and educational background, attitude toward marriage and pregnancy. Further studies are needed to identify personal factors of the young adults affecting on the ATP.
Adenosine Triphosphate ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Korea ; Marriage* ; Pregnancy* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Students, Nursing* ; Young Adult

Purpose: This study aims at determining the competencies of Korean nurses in prenatal genetic nursing. Methods: First, a 3-round Delphi survey was conducted to establish prenatal genetic nursing competencies. Second, a prenatal genetic nursing education program (PGNEP), incorporating the findings from the Delphi survey, was designed. Third, a single group pre- and post-quasi-experimental study at a PGNEP workshop was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the integration of the competencies into the PGNEP with the measurements of knowledge about prenatal genetic testing and nursing (K-PGTN) and information needs about prenatal genetic testing and nursing (I-PGTN). Finally, the identified competencies were reexamined for their clarity. Results: Based on the Delphi survey 78 competency components were identified. The components were then classified under 10 categories, which were organized under 4 domains. The domain of “experiential genetic nursing knowledge” and the domain of “ethics and law” were ranked as the first and the second in significance. The quasi-experimental study showed that the mean scores in K-PGTN were significantly increased from 8.19±2.67 to 11.25±2.51 (P<0.001). The mean scores of “ethics and law” in I-PGTN decreased significantly (P=0.023). The headings of 4 categories and 2 domains were revised. Conclusion This study identified competencies for prenatal genetic nursing and nursing education in Korea. There is a need for nursing instructors and researchers to improve the competencies of nurses in the identified areas. Particular emphasis should be placed on experiential nursing knowledge and on ethics and law related to prenatal genetic nursing.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the teaching effectiveness and adequacy of practical training in nursing students. METHODS: This descriptive research was conducted using a convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 619 nursing students with experience in practical training among five colleges, located in four cities. The data collection was performed using self-reported questionnaires. Research tools, developed by Kim (1996), were used to measure the effectiveness of clinical instructors and the adequacy of practical training developed by researchers. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0. RESULTS: The average of teaching effectiveness was 3.43 (out of 5) and adequacy of practical training was 3.33 (out of 5). Teaching effectiveness and adequacy of practical training showed a significant positive correlation (r=.74, p<.001). Teaching effectiveness and each sub-area: adequacy of practical training, practical contents (r=.59, p<.001), practical attitude (r=.45, p<.001), practical instructor (r=.62, p<.001), practical environment (r=.46, p<.001), and practical evaluation (r=.64, p<.001), revealed a significant positive correlation. CONCLUSION: Nursing students prefer the actual training from professors who are more professional and clinical experienced. Professors presenting the theory lectures should also be aware of clinical practice so that education can be more professional and effective in terms of clinical practice.
Data Collection ; Education ; Humans ; Lectures ; Nursing* ; Students, Nursing*