Families Assessment in Nursing
Increasingly nursing is recognizing the significance of the family to the health and well being of individual family members (wright &Leahey, 2000). Hatrick (1998) suggests family nursing in undergraduate nursing education will provide nurses with theoretical and practical skills to work effectively with families. This paper will demonstrate the assessment of one family using the Calgary Family Assessment Model (CFAM) as well as the Calgary Family Intervention Model (CFIM). The CFAM will provide information on the structural, developmental and functional components of the family. The family's strengths and weaknesses are identified, and the role of a community resource in this family's life is described. This discussion will demonstrate the relationship these concepts have on health and nursing in the family. All member of the family interviewed for this assignment agreed to participate but their names have been changed to ensure confidentiality. The CFAM is an integrated conceptual framework developed by Wright and Leahey for use when interviewing and making assessment of families. The CFAM consists of three major categories: structural, developmental and functional
Heather's life changed considerably after the birth of her daughter. She adjusted her life to meet the responsibilities and needs of parenthood. Brianna's father found the adjustment in lifestyle difficult resulting in their separation. Heather continues to provide for Brianna thru parenting, financial support and performing household tasks. Brianna's father pays weekly payments that are included in Heather's income. Both parents, contribute to Brianna's development as a person. Extended family members provide emotional support and some financial support to Heather and Brianna. Heather feels she has a closer bond with her parents and grandparents now. She encourages Brianna's involvement with her father. This has involved a realignment of Heather's relationship with him to provide healthy role models for Brianna. Brianna spends more time with her mother, thus they have a stronger relationship then she does with her father who is under involved with Brianna at present. Heather hopes this will improve. The Smith's expressed effective problem solving techniques. Heather discusses any problems with a close friend. For further support or advise she approaches teachers at Brianna's daycare, her family, doctor or public health nurse. A possible cause is identified and a plan of action implemented. Heather and her friend later evaluate the situation and seek more help if necessary. Heather stated she finds this effective and this removes some of the pressure of being a the main care giver and a first time parent. As a single parent Heather's role extends beyond being a mother. She appreciates the influence her role may have on Brianna and encourages the relationship with her father and extended family so she can experience a variety of social influences. Since third move to the city, Heather feels the parent child bond with Brianna has strengthened. This is expressed through showing affection, verbally and non verbally as well as with praise for each other. This bond is likely to be stronger as they share a mother child bond and live together away from extended family.
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Approximate Word count = 3199
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page double spaced)
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