Family Assessment

Objectives of this specific assignment:

• Demonstrate observation skills and the ability to understand families and individuals and how they function within their communities
• Analyze how the community supports and/or creates challenges that impact the health of individuals and families
• Practice assessing families and/or individuals to understand strengths and challenges around health concerns using a community orientation; understanding families/individuals within the context of a community setting.
• Provide a logical and descriptive assessment report of your findings using a case study format.

Overview

Community health nursing practice focuses on individuals and families where they live, work, and go to school. Nurses may care for clients in their homes, in agencies and in schools. In this experiential project students practice doing assessments of individuals and families as they live, work and play in the community. Students are expected to think critically about the clients, family configurations and interactions, socio-cultural and economic backgrounds, the community that supports the clients, and the resources available to them. Note that assessment information may differ depending on the type and location of the setting and the family/individual.

Specific Instructions: Assessment and write up

This activity is to be done individually. Students choose a family or an individual living in the community and ask for permission to do a family/case study health assessment.

This assessment must take place with an appropriate client in a community setting-- at home, a coffee shop, community center, etc. You may use a friend, however do not complete the assessment by interviewing another health professional or an immediate family member.

• Read Stanhope & Lancaster Chapter 18
• Use the following tools to assist you in your assessment. You may need to adapt these forms depending on the family/individual/situation; but they provide a basic reference to help you get started.
  • Guidelines for making a genogram (p.316-317)
  • Guidelines for making an ecomap (p. 320-321)
• Pick a client who you think might like to work with you for this assignment. Often the best clients are people who could use a little extra attention in their lives. Very busy people may not be the best choice.
• Ask the client for permission to practice your verbal assessment skills by working with you on a family assessment/case study. Inform them that this process may take 1-2 hours.
• It is often a good idea to begin the assessment by drawing a basic genogram with your client. Be sure to come prepared with large paper and pens, although you can draw a