Family nursing is a part of the primary care provided to patients of all ages, ranging from infant to geriatric health. Nurses assess the health of the entire family to identify health problems and risk factors, help develop interventions to address health concerns, and implement the interventions to improve the health of the individual and family. Family nurses often work with patients through their whole life cycle. This helps foster a strong relationship between health care provider and patient.

Family nursing is not as much patient-centered care as it is centered on the care of the family unit. It also takes a team approach to health care. A family nurse performs many duties commonly performed by a physician. They have the ability to write prescriptions, and need a broader base of knowledge and skills in order to care for their patients. Nurses may work in clinics, private offices, hospitals, hospice centers, schools and homes to care for their patients.


Family Nursing Theories and Models

• Erickson's Modeling and Role Modeling Theory
• King's Theory of Goal Attainment
• Neuman's Systems Model
• Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory
• Orlando's Nursing Process Discipline Theory
• Peplau's Theory of Interpersonal Relations
• Parse's Human Becoming Theory
• Rogers' Theory of Unitary Human Beings
• Roy's Adaptation Model of Nursing
• Kolcaba's Theory of Comfort
• Watson's Philosophy and Science of Caring
• Nightingale's Environment Theory
• Pender's Health Promotion Model
• Roper-Logan-Tierney's Model for Nursing Based on a Model of Living
• Mercer's Maternal Role Attainment Theory