Family Dynamics

Understanding the dynamics of the family and the individual stressors are essential to developing a successful plan of care. The more aware the public health nurse is of potential stressors and/or reliable allegiances the better prepared they will be to promote wellness. The human body is multifaceted and treatment of the individual as a whole being is a necessity. All key factors in the life of an individual, whether it is an institution or a person, will produce an imprint on the person’s life. Moreover, the impact may be beneficial or non-beneficial; for example, many years ago I worked as a home care nurse in West Philadelphia. My client required narcotic drug administration to manage her pain. Her son was addicted to drugs and the home care office warned the nurse prior to assigning this case of the potential …show more content…
Many nurses refused to accept the assignment due to fear of an encounter with the son. Also, there were special protocols to follow to secure the sedative medications. Consequently, this family’s dynamics had a negative impact on my clients care. The opportunity to meet her needs was delayed due to the psychosocial concerns present in this household. An ecomap would have shown the stressed relationship and issue with addiction on the initial assessment; which would have allowed the admitting clinician to make proper referrals, such as an inpatient facility for the client or a drug and alcohol