Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Through a variety of in-class, clinically based and student-driven activities, it is expected that this subject will enable the student to identify the family unit as a client; develop their knowledge of the diversity of family systems within the Australian social structure when caring for families within a community context; utilise appropriate assessment strategies to identify the dynamics and the health needs of families within a diverse range of family systems; analyse the changing needs of families across the life-span; identify the clinical issues that may arise for families with special needs; identify the resources available for promoting health within a primary health care context; discuss a broad range of socio/cultural issues and their impact on family health; apply the clinical reasoning process and a conceptual framework when carrying out a nursing assessment of families within the community; and in conjunction with a family, develop a plan of care that would be likely to assist them to effectively resolve an actual or potential situational or maturational crisis.
Synopsis To provide the student with an understanding of the family structure and processes that influence the health of families in contemporary society, and encourage the development of skills in their role as a community nurse that would promote family health and facilitate effective family functioning.
Assessment Assignment (600 words) 15% + Assignment (1200 words) and presentation 35% + Assignment (2000 words) 40%