Family Values

Family Values

University of Phoenix

NUR 542

October 7, 2013

Danielle Patrick

Family Values

It is no secret family life affects every individual throughout their lives. It is therefore very important to study how family systems can affect its members in health promotion. This discussion will also touch on how family systems interact and work together to promote health among its members. The concept of family will also be discussed in the context of surgical nursing practice used today in acute care settings. This subject leads into what nursing theory is most conducive to current surgical nursing practices.

Family as a System

The family is the primary source for health behaviors in our society. Families have a powerful impact on its member’s physical health that has been proven by research as described by Campbell 2000, (as cited by Friedman, Bowden, & Jones, 2003). If any one member of the family needs to improve upon lifestyle habits or one has an illness it will most likely affect other members of the whole family. The support system of the family can and does determine positive or negative outcomes for physical illness. Lifestyle changes to improve health will most likely include or need the support of the other family members to achieve the necessary changes needed to reach optimal health goals. There are six stages of health/illness and family interactions. These stages are as follows; Family efforts at health promotion, family appraisal of symptoms, care seeking, referral and obtaining care, acute response to illness by client and family, acute response to illness by client and family, and adaptation to illness and recovery (Friedman, et al. 2013). The family system is an integral part of all stages in promoting the health of its members.

Concept of Family in Surgery

Surgery for most people is a major life event. It is an event the patient and their family members will not readily forget, even if it is just a little finger. Of course, the...