-Answers must be 100 words or more -Cite references -APA format The student nurses are reviewing key concepts about working with families in the community and how to best the steps of the nursing process. The student nurses are reviewing these important concepts for an upcoming assignment on the topic. The student nurses quickly acknowledged that the family unit is the focus of service in community health nursing.
Introduction
Working with families in the community is an essential aspect of community health nursing. The role of the nurse extends beyond the individual and encompasses the entire family unit in order to promote health and well-being. This assignment will delve into the key concepts related to working with families in the community and how these concepts are integrated into the nursing process.
The Family as the Focus of Service in Community Health Nursing
In community health nursing, the family is considered the primary unit of care (Kaakinen, Coehlo, Steele, Tabacco, & Hanson, 2015). This approach recognizes that the health of an individual is closely interconnected with the health and functioning of their family. Therefore, when providing community-based nursing care, it is essential to consider the impact of the family’s dynamics, cultural background, and relationships on the health outcomes of the individual.
Family-Centered Care
Family-centered care is a foundational concept in community health nursing. It involves recognizing and respecting the importance of the family’s role in decision-making and care provision (Biezen, Beilby, & Holmwood, 2011). The nurse acts as a collaborator, working alongside the family to develop a comprehensive plan of care that addresses the unique needs and preferences of each family member.
Engaging with Families in the Community
Effectively engaging with families in the community requires the nurse to adopt a holistic approach. This includes actively seeking to understand the family’s beliefs, values, and preferences, as well as the social and cultural context in which they reside (Looman, Presler, Erickson, & Garwick, 2013). By developing strong therapeutic relationships with families, the nurse can establish open lines of communication and mutual trust, enhancing the effectiveness of care provision.
Assessment of the Family
Assessing the family is a crucial step in the nursing process. This involves gathering information about the family’s structure, dynamics, strengths, and areas of concern (Kaakinen et al., 2015). The nurse should employ a systematic approach, utilizing appropriate assessment tools and techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding of the family’s health and well-being.
Diagnosis and Planning
Based on the assessment findings, the nurse can identify health-related problems within the family and formulate nursing diagnoses. These diagnoses are specific to the family unit and guide the development of individualized care plans that address the identified issues (Biezen et al., 2011). The nurse should collaborate with the family to establish mutual goals for health improvement, taking into consideration the family’s values and resources.
Implementation and Evaluation
The implementation phase involves implementing the planned interventions and actions to facilitate health promotion and disease prevention within the family. The nurse works in partnership with the family members, providing education, support, and resources necessary for achieving the established goals (Looman et al., 2013). The nurse should continuously assess the effectiveness of the interventions, regularly evaluating the family’s progress and adapting the care plan as necessary.
Conclusion
Working with families in the community requires a holistic and family-centered approach. Recognizing the family as the focus of service in community health nursing, nurses must engage with families in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner. By employing the nursing process, including comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, nurses can effectively address the unique needs of families in the community. This approach ensures that families receive personalized care that optimizes their health outcomes.