Abstract
Gene-based diagnostics and therapeutics are being explored for application in many areas of healthcare. An understanding of the principles of genomics has become fundamental to patient care within all specialties of nursing and is expected to be included in certification exams in the near future. This introductory article is designed to provide practicing Wound, Ostomy, and Continence nurses with basic information to enhance their abilities to comprehend genetics information, apply it to practice, and translate it to colleagues and patients. Specifics about the genetic basis of Crohn's disease are used to illustrate the application of the concepts described in the article.