Objective:

　　Because amniocentesis enables the diagnoses of fetal chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders, nurse must be prepared to provide care including support with genetic issues. As such, an attempt was made to create a standard regarding the role of the general nurse in amniocentesis from the perspective of genetic nursing.

Method:

　　A 50-item questionnaire was constructed comprising six categories regarding the role of the general nurse, through the process starting from the first visit by the pregnant mother wishing for amniocentesis to after explanation of the test results. Validity of the items was examined through two surveys on nurses involved with amniocentesis for establishing degree of consensus on whether they considered the 50 items as being the role of the general nurse.

Results and Discussion:

　　Valid response amounted to 108. Agreement exceeding 40% was obtained for 46 items dealing primarily with assistance through the procedure, and getting a grasp of the patient's condition. Agreement between 40-60% was seen regarding items associated with support after explanation of test results. Because these items also fell within the role standards of the general nurse set forth by International Counsil of Nurses and International Society of Nurses in Genetics, they were considered the role of the general nurse. Items for which agreement did not reach 40% were four items requiring specialized knowledge of genetic medical care, which were considered the role of the advanced nurse at present.