The purpose of the family assessment assignment is to provide the nurse the opportunity to assess a family unit. The assessment of a family unit is vastly different from the assessment of an individual and requires a very different skill set. The skills are not as technical or hands-on, but more observational and based on insight, reflection, and critical thinking.

Complete a family assessment on the same family you did the genogram, or a different family with your instructor’s approval. Review the grading rubric to understand how you will be evaluated. Also review the sample assignment provided. The assessment should follow the Friedman Family Assessment and include the sections of the assessment included in that form. USE THE TEMPLATE PROVIDED.

Note that the assessment must be thorough enough to provide other clinicians with useful information about the family, but not so long that the document is cumbersome. Clearly more information than a CNA would gather, but not so long that a clinician does not have time to read it. A few sentences for each section is typical. Some areas may need less information, others more detail. It depends on the family.

The assessment must be typed and follow the format of the sample paper. Use the template provided. No need to add a title page – but make sure your name is on the first page.

REVIEW THE RUBRIC BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR FINAL VERSION FOR GRADING!