INSCRIPTION NANO & NURSING
NANO & NURSING EDUCATION
Nano-literacy for nurses Education & Innovation Nano & February Health Observances
Patricia Goyette, RN, DNP-PHNL Nanotechnology & Nursing Innovation
IN THIS ISSUE
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Editor’s Note
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Foundations of Nanotechnology in Healthcare Educational Imperatives for Nursing
Trends
Emerging Educational Needs
Cardiovascular Health Nano-enabled diagnostics and therapies shaping cardiovascular nursing practice. Nano & Oncology Nanomedicine in Cancer Care & Educational Focus 12
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Nanotechnology and Dental Health Educational competencies required for safe, ethical nano-enabled care.
From Innovation to Practice The transition of nanomedicine from research to routine care—and why nursing education is essential.
18 References
Photography by Nenovbrothers
Letter from the Editor Nanomedicine is rapidly moving from the margins of research into routine clinical care. In the near future, nano-enabled diagnostics and therapies will become increasingly common across healthcare settings, influencing how diseases are detected, treated, and monitored. Because these interventions operate at a scale largely invisible to both patients and clinicians, they challenge traditional approaches to assessment, monitoring, and clinical decision-making—placing new demands on the healthcare workforce. This February issue of INSCRIPTION situates these developments within key health observances, including American Heart Month and National Cancer Prevention Month. Cardiovascular care and oncology remain at the forefront of nanomedicine innovation, and their continued expansion signals what is coming next for everyday practice. As these technologies become more integrated into standard care, nurses will be among the first professionals expected to understand, explain, and safely manage them. The role of nursing in the near future will extend beyond administration and monitoring to include informed interpretation of nano-level effects, recognition of subtle or delayed patient responses, and clear communication of complex science in ways patients can trust. Precision at the molecular level does not reduce the need for nursing judgment—it heightens it. This reality underscores an urgent need for expanded education and ongoing professional development focused on nanomedicine, its mechanisms, risks, and implications for patient care. Education, therefore, is not optional; it is foundational to safe, ethical, and equitable care.
Patricia Goyette
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NANO FOUNDATIONS for nurses
| Photography by Tunaru Dorin
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Nanotechnology is increasingly embedded within contemporary healthcare, influencing diagnostics, therapeutics, and medical devices across a wide range of clinical settings. Because nano-enabled interventions operate at the molecular and cellular levels, they may produce subtle, delayed, or non-intuitive biological effects, necessitating advanced clinical awareness and interpretive expertise among nurses (Della Pepa et al., 2021; Iqbal et al., 2022). As nanotechnology continues to transition from experimental research into routine clinical practice, nursing education must adapt to ensure that patient care remains safe, ethical, and evidence based (Huertas et al., 2024; World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Foundational nano-literacy equips nurses with the knowledge required to understand mechanisms of action, differentiate nano-enabled therapies from conventional treatments, and anticipate patient responses and associated risks (Ventola, 2017; Della Pepa et al., 2021). This theoretical understanding complements procedural competence by strengthening clinical judgment, ethical reasoning, and evidence-informed decision-making in practice (Huertas et al., 2024). At the same time, nano-enabled interventions introduce new clinical uncertainties, including potential toxicities, long-term physiological effects, and concerns related to health equity, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and critical appraisal (Della Pepa et al., 2021; Iqbal et al., 2022; WHO, 2023). Nurses also play a central role in patient education and advocacy, translating complex scientific concepts into clear, patient-centered information that supports informed consent and fosters therapeutic trust (Ventola, 2017; Huertas et al., 2024). Integrating nanotechnology content throughout nursing curricula is therefore essential. As healthcare interventions become increasingly precise and technologically sophisticated, the responsibilities of nurses—including knowledge application, clinical interpretation, and ethical oversight—become more consequential (Huertas et al., 2024; WHO, 2023). Comprehensive education in nanotechnology enables nurses to maintain professional authority, safeguard patient outcomes, and ensure that technological innovation remains aligned with the core human values that underpin nursing practice (Ventola, 2017; WHO, 2023). FOUNDATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY: Educational Imperatives for Nursing
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Emerging Educational Needs
Conceptual Nano-Literacy for Clinical Practice 1 Nurses require foundational understanding of nanoscale mechanisms to safely administer, monitor, and interpret nano- enabled therapies encountered in routine care.
Enhanced Risk Recognition and Safety Monitoring 2 Education must prepare nurses to identify subtle, delayed, or atypical adverse effects associated with nano-based interventions, particularly when traditional assessment cues are insufficient.
Photography by Ildo Frazao & Aydinynr
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Ethical Reasoning and Informed 3
Nano-enabled care introduces uncertainties related to long-term effects, equity, and patient autonomy, necessitating focused instruction in ethical analysis and patient-centered communication.
4 Evidence
Appraisal and Scientific Literacy
Nurses need to critically evaluate emerging nanomedicine research, understand limitations of current evidence, and apply findings appropriately in clinical settings.
Photography by Aflo Images and Africa Images
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RESOURCES
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“Multiple studies showed the need for students in health-related programs to be trained and instructed in topics related to nanotechnology.”
doi: 10.2147/AMEP.S431359. PMID: 38299050; PMCID: PMC10829504.
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in Heart Care
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH Nanotechnology
NANO-ENABLED DIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPIES SHAPING CARDIOVASCULAR NURSING.
in Heart Care: Research and Educational Priorities for Nurses
Nanotechnology is rapidly transforming cardiovascular care, with nanoparticle-based therapies improving drug targeting, efficacy, and tissue specificity (Della Pepa et al., 2021; Ventola, 2017). Lipid-, polymer-, and metal- based nanoparticles enhance bioavailability and reduce off-target effects, addressing limitations of conventional treatments. Theranostic nanoparticles further integrate diagnostic and therapeutic functions, enabling more precise and personalized cardiovascular interventions (Della Pepa et al., 2021; Iqbal et al., 2022).
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Photography by Corina Ciocirlan
Despite extensive research, regulatory approval for cardiovascular nanomedicines remains limited. Most clinically approved nanomedicines are in oncology or rare genetic conditions, highlighting the gap between innovation and routine cardiac care (Ventola, 2017; Della Pepa et al., 2021). This evolving landscape underscores the need for nurses to understand emerging therapies and their implications for patient monitoring and safety. Nurses play a central role in patient care by monitoring responses to nano-enabled interventions, recognizing subtle or delayed physiological effects, and ensuring treatments are safe and ethically delivered (Huertas et al., 2024; WHO, 2023). They also support patients by translating complex scientific information into understandable guidance, promoting informed decision-making, adherence, and trust in care (Ventola, 2017; Huertas et al., 2024). For nursing education, integrating nanotechnology into curricula is essential. Teaching mechanisms of action, safety considerations, ethical reasoning, and interprofessional collaboration prepares nurses to provide evidence-based care, respond to clinical uncertainties, and participate in research translation and innovation in cardiovascular healthcare (Huertas et al., 2024; WHO, 2023).
FOR NURSING EDUCATION, INTEGRATING NANOTECHNOLOGY INTO CURRICULA IS ESSENTIAL.
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NANO & ONCOLOGY CARE Educational Focus Nanotechnology is increasingly integral to oncology care, particularly through targeted drug delivery systems, nanoparticle-based chemotherapies, and nano-enabled immunotherapies that enhance therapeutic precision and reduce systemic toxicity (Della Pepa et al., 2021; Ventola, 2017). As these therapies move into routine practice, nursing education must evolve to prepare nurses for the distinct clinical and ethical demands they introduce (Huertas et al., 2024; World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Nurses are often the first clinicians to recognize unexpected or subtle patient responses to nano-enabled therapies. Their continuous bedside presence positions them to identify early or delayed physiological changes that may not be captured by standard diagnostics, making nano- literacy essential for safe monitoring, early intervention, and patient safety (Della Pepa et al., 2021; Huertas et al., 2024).
Photography by Science Photo Library
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Patient education and communication are equally critical. Because nano-based oncology treatments may produce responses that differ from conventional chemotherapy, nurses must clearly explain treatment mechanisms, support informed consent, and address patient concerns with accuracy and empathy to promote understanding and trust (Huertas et al., 2024; WHO, 2023). Nursing education must also emphasize mechanisms of action, early recognition of subtle toxicities, and ethical and equity considerations. Understanding altered pharmacokinetics and tumor interactions enables nurses to anticipate adverse effects, while training in ethical reasoning and evidence appraisal strengthens advocacy and ensures that innovation in oncology care remains patient-centered and equitable (Ventola, 2017; Della Pepa et al., 2021; WHO, 2023).
NURSING EDUCATION MUST ALSO EMPHASIZE MECHANISMS OF ACTION, EARLY RECOGNITION OF SUBTLE TOXICITIES, AND ETHICAL AND EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS.
Here, you can place a caption for the photo. It can be a short description or it can credit the production team.
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Nanotechnology in Pediatric Dentistry
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Photography by Corina Ciocirlan
February is recognized as a time to emphasize the importance of prevention, education, and innovation in children’s oral health, aligning with global public health priorities focused on reducing preventable oral diseases in pediatric populations (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). Nanotechnology is increasingly being explored in pediatric dentistry, offering solutions to longstanding clinical challenges through its unique physicochemical properties, including nanoscale size, biocompatibility, and advanced drug delivery capabilities (Chavan et al., 2020; Khan et al., 2020). Current literature highlights the promise of polymer-based nanoscale delivery systems, particularly those derived from biocompatible and biodegradable materials, which enable targeted therapy, reduce required drug dosages, and minimize adverse effects—characteristics that are especially advantageous in pediatric care (Iqbal et al., 2022; Della Pepa et al., 2021). These nanotechnological innovations demonstrate potential in addressing common pediatric oral health concerns, including caries prevention, localized infection control, and improved therapeutic outcomes through sustained and site-specific delivery (Chavan et al., 2020; Khan et al., 2020). For public health nurses, nano-literacy is increasingly relevant. Public health nurses play a central role in health promotion, community education, and disease prevention, particularly among children and families who may face barriers to accessing specialized dental services or emerging technologies (WHO, 2022). A foundational understanding of nanomedicine enables nurses to support informed decision-making, promote ethical implementation, monitor population-level outcomes, and advocate for policies that ensure safe, equitable, and responsible use of innovation in pediatric oral health care (Ventola, 2017; WHO, 2023). As pediatric dentistry continues to integrate nanotechnology, nurses—especially those working in public and community health settings—serve as a vital bridge between complex scientific advancements and trusted, family-centered care. Education in nanomedicine empowers nurses to translate
innovation into improved oral health outcomes at both individual and population levels (Huertas et al., 2024). 15
Nursing at the Interface of Care and Innovation
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Photography by Be Easy
Nanomedicine is rapidly transitioning from experimental research to routine clinical applications, including targeted drug delivery, advanced diagnostics, oncology therapies, and implantable devices (Ventola, 2017; Della Pepa et al., 2021). This shift requires nurses not only to understand the clinical implications of nanoscale interventions but also to engage actively in interdisciplinary research and innovation, contributing clinical insight to the development and translation of nanotechnologies (Huertas et al., 2024). Nurses contribute unique expertise in patient assessment, safety monitoring, and care delivery— perspectives that are essential for designing nanomedical interventions that are both effective and patient- centered (Ventola, 2017). Nano-literacy within nursing education provides the foundation for this role by equipping nurses with knowledge of mechanisms of action, potential risks, ethical considerations, and strategies for effective patient communication (Iqbal et al., 2022; World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Through participation in interdisciplinary research and education, nurses help bridge the gap between bench science and bedside application. Their involvement supports the identification of patient-specific responses, promotes ethical implementation, and enhances the safety and clinical relevance of emerging nanotechnologies (Huertas et al., 2024; WHO, 2023). In this evolving healthcare landscape, nursing insight is not merely complementary but essential for translating nanomedicine research into responsible, patient- centered clinical practice (Ventola, 2017).
Photography by Liandra designs
“BY PARTICIPATING IN INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH, NURSES BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN BENCH SCIENCE AND BEDSIDE APPLICATION.” 17
References
Chavan, P., Jain, R., & Sharma, A. (2020). Nanotechnology in dentistry: A review. International Journal of Applied Dental Sciences, 6(2), 12–18. Della Pepa, C., Milano, A., Simeon, V., & Pisano, C. (2021). Nanomedicine for cancer therapy: Recent advances, challenges, and perspectives. Molecules, 26(22), 6970. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26226970 Huertas, J. D., Fuentes, Y. V., Garcia, J. C., & Bustos, R. H. (2024). The role of education in nanomedicine as a current need for academic programs related to the healthcare field: A scoping review. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 15, 65–74. https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S431359 Iqbal, K., Qadir, M. I., Hussain, S., & Khan, A. (2022). Polymer-based nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery: Advances and challenges. Pharmaceutics, 14(1), 64. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14010064 Khan, S. A., Ahmad, N., & Bhat, A. A. (2020). Nanotechnology: A future tool in pediatric dentistry. Journal of Dental Research and Review, 7(1), 7–12. Ventola, C. L. (2017). Progress in nanomedicine: Approved and investigational nanodrugs. P & T: A Peer-Reviewed Journal for Formulary Management, 42(12), 742–755. World Health Organization. (2022). Oral health. https://www.who.int/news- room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health World Health Organization. (2023). Ethics and governance of artificial intelligence for health: WHO guidance. Your paragraph text
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NANO & NURSING INSCRIPTION
Nanotechnology is changing care. Nurses must lead the change.
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