In a last few years genetic nursing practice has been transformed from a nearly hidden specialty to a recognized specialty practice with formal recognition, publication of scope and standards of practice, and most recently the availability of credentialing for genetic nurses. All areas of nursing practice have been impacted by recent advances in genetic knowledge and technology. Nearly all diseases are now recognized to have a genetic component. Nurses now provide education to patients about hereditary risk for developing disease, counsel about the benefits and risks associated with genetic testing, and manage disease risk based on genetic information.