Family Nursing Case Study

A family nurse must be knowledgeable in, and able to use, various theories when planning and guiding care for childbearing families (Kaakinen, Coehlo, Steele, Tabacco, & Hanson, 2015). Utilizing an ecomap and genogram of a family is helpful in identifying family members, relationships, types of relationships, the variety of life activities that occupy their time and take energy, and any illnesses they may be managing. In this paper, I will discuss the role changes and the impact of childbearing on a family, evaluate the impact of childhood illness both acute and chronic on the family, and identify nursing strategies that promote positive relationships and reduce family stressors. When a couple decides to have children, they take on the role …show more content…
They report that taking part in various activities of their own and with their younger children, work, and the strained relationships with their older children leave them stressed and fatigued. Tim is a full time self-employed lawyer, teaches classes at a local college, and regularly attends church and Bible study sessions. He frequently appears on local TV to discuss legal topics and is a committee member with their state bar association. Sarah is a stay at home mom and enjoys it tremendously, is a church leader, regularly attends church, and is quite active with their two younger children’s schooling, sports, and extracurricular activities. She also teaches piano lessons and is active with her church’s women’s prison ministry. Their two (2) oldest children are still fairly young, but both are on their own and each is married. Tim and Sarah have a rather strained relationship with their oldest daughter and son-in-law which causes them tremendous stress. Their relationship with their oldest son and his wife is not as stressful, but also not as strong as they desire it to be. The two (2) younger children are very close to their parents and the relationship between the four (4) of them is good. Tim and Sarah seem to have a wonderful habit of giving of themselves and their time, working hard, volunteering, and being available for their children, but it noticeably takes a toll on them physically, emotionally, and mentally. They report they do not have much “alone” time to spend just with each other and they do not harbor any negative feelings about this because it is “how it’s always been.” They seem to respect and love each other as I see them smile and speak tenderly to each other. I hear them speak kindly about each other and also about their children and although some of the