Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides - Epic Portrait of America in the Twentieth Century Free Essay Example, 1500 words

It is evident that the overall goal of the novel Middlesex of Pulitzer Prize-winning, Jeffrey Eugenides is painting a picture of American life and the decisions of one particular family in history. Eugenides takes the reader through the minds of each family member, allowing them a peek inside the windows into their souls. He begins with the grandmother, Desdemona, and her escape from her Greek island home and how she first fell in love with her brother lefty. Through the eyes of Desdemona, the reader can begin to understand the reasoning behind her incestuous relationship with her brother Lefty. He makes it easy for the reader to understand why the family members decide to do the things that they do, and why they have made specific decisions because the reader is allowed to see the reasoning behind it. For instance, Eugenides shows the significance and emotional meaningfulness of the silkworm box and how it brought the grandmother memories of her homeland and her first memories of love and growing up. This box stays with Desdemona her entire life, even after all the silkworms have died. We will write a custom essay sample on Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides - Epic Portrait of America in the Twentieth Century or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Cal describes the box at the end of the novel as, "The box was now so stuffed with mementos it wouldn't shut. Inside were snapshots, old letters, precious buttons, worry beads" (Eugenides). Cal goes on to say that even though he cannot see to the bottom of the box, he is sure that the clippings of Lefty's hair and Desdemona's wedding dress are in the box as well. What this silkworm box probably does not contain are references to the many different jobs that a family has had in attempts to stay afloat and to make a place for themselves in American society. If the box could speak it would tell of how eve Desdemona herself was once forced to go to work in an attempt to make money for her family. How she was willing to sacrifice her precious silkworms in order to survive. It also wouldn't tell of Lefty's desperate resorts for money and how he used to traffic alcohol during prohibitions and how he "begins to traffic secretly in the bodies of women, collaborating on nude photos for a steady side income (Eugenides).

Climate Change The United States - 1141 Words

Intro 2 climate change Not two weeks ago, I was floating on a noodle, beer in hand, life and conversation good; when the topic of climate change came up and I was presented with an opportunity to ponder why people see the same things so differently. It started when a new friend seemed unaware and untroubled that 2016 is on track to be the hottest year on record, making it the third year in a row to set this record. When I asked if he believed climate change was happening, he said that he did, but he was quick to point out that that climate change has occurred many times in the earth s history and this is just another one of those times. But when I tried to point out the difference with the current climate change phenomenon from the historic ones is when it got interesting. He passionately disagreed that human activity has anything to do with it. Then I, in higher octave, countered with â€Å"But the scientific community is united about this. We are the cause of this †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Before I could finish he replied â€Å"That’s not true, there are plenty of scientists who don t agree it is man made.† I wanted to explode with the quotes, facts, figures to clearly refute his position, when a curious thing happened: I had nothing. I found myself reaching for my intellectual â€Å"piece† and realized that it had no bullets. While I was certain he was blaspheming atop a glass mountain, I had no stone to throw, not even a peltable pebble, except, â€Å"Oh yeah! Well my scientists are smarter than yourShow MoreRelatedClimate Change And The United States1574 Words   |  7 Pagesreport will analyze climate change and the initiative that the United States is taking in the Arctic. If ignored, climate change poses serious problems for the world’s population in the near future. The increasing amount of media regarding the severity of climate change has pushed researchers for answers. The report will explore the causes of climate change, how climate change is affecting the ecology, economy and people in the Alaskan Arctic, and possible solutions to the climate changing. 1.2 BackgroundRead MoreClimate Change : The United States948 Words   |  4 PagesToday, people in the United States and around the world face a changing climate that threatens our way of life. An increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather conditions poses a threat to food security, infrastructure and economic affluence. In the United States, climatologists from the United Nations project that a seven-degree Fahrenheit increase in average temperatures will cause more frequent droughts affecting agriculture in the Midwest and more severe and frequent tropical stormsRead MoreClimate Change And The United States928 Words   |  4 Pagesaround 600 tons of carbon dioxide emissions (Saidur, Rahim, Islam, Solangi, 2011). Therefore, it is easy to see that the widespread use of wind power can help mitigate climate change. This is critical to help stop climate change and the United States is uniquely positioned to be the leader in curbing climate. When the United States star ts heavily investing in alternative energy sources other countries will likely follow suit, which will be key to reducing global emissions. Another benefit to windRead MoreThe Effects Of Climate Change On The United States1583 Words   |  7 PagesThe Discordant Applications of the Common But Differentiated Responsibilities Doctrine as a Hindrance to Climate Change Policy Climate change looms large over our rapidly growing and continually changing world. No longer are the adverse effects of this menacing global issue a mere ominous projections, they are starting to become a very concrete reality. Countries are today experiencing rising sea levels, which compromises coastal infrastructure, prolonged drought, squeezing food supply and agriculturalRead MoreThe Effects Of Climate Change On The United States981 Words   |  4 Pagescause damage. As storms continue to grow stronger, that figure will continue to rise. Though the destruction of climate change can be seen globally with storms, wildfires, and oil depletion, Popular support for environmental movements and policies is minimal. The numbers needed to make a difference are not there. From 2008 to 2010, the number of Americans who believed in climate change dropped to 57%. While shocking, there is an array of psychological reasons for the lack of support. Ordinary citizensRead MoreThe Effects Of C limate Change On The United States1131 Words   |  5 PagesOur climate plays an important role in human societies and affects agriculture, ecosystems, our natural environment and our health. Human activities such as pollution and deforestation, has changed the climate as a whole, leading to an increased amount of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide to enter the atmosphere. The effects of this has led to higher sea levels, loss of sea ice and an increase in heat waves across the globe. A recent report released by the Environmental Protection AgencyRead MoreThe Effects Of Climate Change On The United States1397 Words   |  6 Pagescontinued growth of GHG emissions could cause global average temperatures to increase by another 4 °C or more by 2100 and by 1.5 to 2 times as much in many midcontinent and far northern locations (1). Although our understanding of the impacts of climate change is increasingly and disturbingly clear, there is still debate about the proper course for U.S. policy—a debate that is very much on display during the current presidential transition. But putting near-term politics aside, the mounting economicRead MoreGlobal Climate Change : The United States Of America1260 Words   |  6 Pagessecurity threats to the United States of America have had to face. The perils of climate change have the ability to impact the national interest concerning power, prosperity and peace. The continued challenges around the world, and domestically, it is critical the US implements a comprehensive grand strategy. Cooperative security gives the US the best possibility to achieve the goals that will lessen the effects and place the US ahead of the international agenda. Combating climate change will require successfulRead MoreClimate Change : The United States Of America And Germany1991 Words   |  8 PagesThe discussions surrounding climate change have been given significance in the recent decade, owing to the drastic changes in climate patterns as well as the realization of the reality of climate change in various nations. Around the globe, countries are responding to the climate question using various policies aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change as well as reducing the causal effects of the shifts in climate. Various nations have put in place policies that are continuously analyzedRead MoreThe Effects Of Global Climate Change On The United States1428 Words   |  6 Pagesidea of global climate change is like sayi ng that they do not believe in science. About 200 nations, including the United States, have all come to the conclusion that climate change is indeed a real and that we, human-beings, have become responsible for finding a solution to this precarious situation that we have put ourselves in. However, there is still a small population of people that believe that there is nothing we can do to forestall the destructive effects of global climate change. To retract

Psychoanalytic Therapy Session Essay Research Paper Classical free essay sample

Psychoanalytical Therapy Session Essay, Research Paper Classical Psychoanalysis. Situation: Billy Bruce has been enduring a mild signifier of frenzied depression, or bipolar upset and eventually decided to seek aid from a classical psychoanalyst, Michelle, who was a rigorous Freudian. Following is an extract of the conversations between Billy and his psychoanalyst during a typical therapy. Meter: Are you experiencing comfy on the sofa? Bacillus: Yes # 8230 ; Meters: Now, loosen up every individual strand of musculuss in your organic structure, and near you eyes # 8230 ; yes, that s it. I want you to experience wholly relaxed and merely talk. Bacillus: Just speak # 8230 ; ? Meter: Yes, talk. You can state me anything, how you re experiencing now, how you were experiencing yesterday and the yearss before, of any dreams that you ve had, of your childhood memories # 8230 ; Anything truly. Free your head, let yourself be wholly sincere and state whatever that comes to mind, no affair how fiddling or abashing it may look to you. We will write a custom essay sample on Psychoanalytic Therapy Session Essay Research Paper Classical or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Bacillus: Okay # 8230 ; good, I was born in Lafayette, Indiana, and I grew up at that place. My male parent, whom I found out subsequently wasn t my existent male parent, was a lunatic. He came into my life when I was three or four, and I didn t even cognize my existent male parent existed until I was 17. I hated that adult male, my stepfather. He wholly damaged my childhood. Meters: Why, do you say, did you detest your stepfather so much? Bacillus: Well, for one thing, My ma ever picked him over me, even though she knew that he s a atrocious, atrocious individual. He was an egomaniac who wanted everybody pressed under his fingers. Like, we d have telecasting one hebdomad, so he would throw the T.V. out because they were demonic. I wasn t allowed to listen to music. Womans were evil. Everything was evil. One clip I was merely gazing at the Television # 8212 ; non believing, merely watching # 8212 ; a coffin nail commercial with two misss, and my pa smacked me and I went winging across the floor. Yeah, he physically and mentally abused me and my brother, who was his ain boy excessively. Even my sister. Meter: And your female parent knew about it? Bacillus: Of class she knew. She wasn t stupe, she was merely excessively insecure to be without this 2nd hubby, after being deserted by the first who happened to be my existent dada, by the manner. She was neer at that place for me or my sister or my brother. I used to experience this duty to travel back and assist my ma, since she was reasonably incapacitated in her state of affairs, but I don t any longer. She fed me and set apparels on my dorsum, but she was neer at that place for me. Meter: So you are stating that your ma frequently chose to pretermit you for your stepfather, even though she knew that you were abused in many ways by the same adult male? Bacillus: Yeah. I understand that she needs to experience secure and everything, but it was about like she doesn t give a rat s buttocks about me. She even tried to delight that adult male, irrespective of whether I was acquiring molested or screamed at or kicked about. Equally long as she can maintain her matrimony and hubby integral, lodge a nice normal household label over us, she can blind herself to everything else that were evidently incorrect. Meter: Do you experience that, in certain ways, you were similar to your stepfather? Bacillus: Y # 8230 ; No, of class non. Are you pull the leg ofing? That adult male was merely a cloaked felon. Meter: You re stating me that you are non in the least spot, like him? Billy, you can state me the truth. B ( silent for a ma ent ) : Well†¦maybe I am merely a small like him. Hey, how can I non be? For God s interest, he had me squeezed between his custodies for, like, 15 old ages before I had sufficiency of that subjugation and ran off from place. He was the lone male theoretical account I had before I knew any better, okay? You dig that? I m non evil like that adult male, I don t molest my ain girl. Meter: Calm down, Billy, breath. Okay, that s better. Yes, I do understand that you re non merely like your stepfather. But state me how were you likewise? Bacillus: I m reasonably set on destructing things when something sets me off, which could be virtually anything. He was like that. Besides I ever have this impulse to # 8230 ; good, set up, I guess, to others # 8212 ; particularly adult females # 8212 ; the fact that I am a tough cat. ( Laughs ) Hey, possibly that s why I m so screwed-up, because I m kind of like my stepfather. Meter: There s more to it than that, Billy. Bacillus: What do you intend by that? Meter: For one thing, you were likely sing what Freud called the Oedipus Complex, a male child s sexual desire towards his female parent and feeling of green-eyed monster and hatred for the rival male parent. Bacillus: So you re stating me that I hated my stepfather non because he oppressed me like snake pit and treated me like dirt, but because he was kiping with my ma. You make tonss of sense, Ms. Psychologist. Meter: Billy, you have to quiet yourself down and believe. I understand that you d be denying my readings right now, but I hope you ll finally listen and learn to accept the unconscious portion of you. That is the manner to truly cognize yourself, Billy. To delve up the unfulfilled yesteryear, events and motivations, uncover the unconscious, larn to confront it and get by with it. Merely in understanding yourself wholly can you cover with the obstructions soon with reason. Bacillus: Okay, if you say so. Meter: I ll seek to show to you what I see from what you ve state me so far. I know that you may experience the impulse to deny it, but I want you to merely believe about what I ll be stating you. I merely want to assist you see yourself more clearly. Are you ready for it? Bacillus: Yeah, I guess so. Meters: From what I understood by your revelation, you were likely sing the Oedipus Complex, feeling threatened that your stepfather would take your mother off from you. That likely contributed to your hatred toward that adult male. I m stating that the Complex was one of the factors, among with many others that you ve mentioned, that caused your competition. Finally you had to accept that you couldn t be involved with your female parent the same manner that your stepfather was, so you decided, unconsciously, to be like him. More or less if I can t crush him, be like him. That was how you ve achieved your slightly distorted gender individuality, through your designation procedure in which you incorporated your stepfather s values. Of class, since you unquestionably hate that adult male, to consciously admit would stir a enormous convulsion within yourself, hence rationalisation, a defence mechanism, decided protect you and allow yourself believe that you became like him merely because he was the lone male theoretical account you had. Besides, repression banished all sexual desires you felt toward your female parent from your witting head, and that is why you do non retrieve such a childhood lecherousness. However, repression is frequently uncomplete, with pent-up impulses oozing out in dream symbols, which we will research in due clip.

The Families Assessment in Nursing Essay Example

The Families Assessment in Nursing Paper Increasingly nursing is recognizing the significance of the family to the health and well being of individual family members (wright Leahey, 2000). Hatrick (1998) suggests family nursing in undergraduate nursing education will provide nurses with theoretical and practical skills to work effectively with families. This paper will demonstrate the assessment of one family using the Calgary Family Assessment Model (CFAM) as well as the Calgary Family Intervention Model (CFIM). The CFAM will provide information on the structural, developmental and functional components of the family. The familys strengths and weaknesses are identified, and the role of a community resource in this familys life is described. This discussion will demonstrate the relationship these concepts have on health and nursing in the family. All member of the family interviewed for this assignment agreed to participate but their names have been changed to ensure confidentiality. The Calgary Family Assessment Model The CFAM is an integrated conceptual framework developed by Wright and Leahey for use when interviewing and making assessment of families. We will write a custom essay sample on The Families Assessment in Nursing specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Families Assessment in Nursing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Families Assessment in Nursing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The CFAM consists of three major categories: structural, developmental and functional. Each category contains its own subcategories that may be relevant or appropriate depending on the family being assessed. This assessment focuses on the interaction among all of the individuals withing a family. Structural Category Structural assessment aims to identify who is in the family, relationships among family member and those outside the family, and the familys context. (Wright and Leahey, 2000). The Smith family is a white single parent family consisting of Heather and her two year old daughter Brianna. Briannas father has not lived with them for a year and a half and currently lives two hours away, as do Heathers family. Brianna has weekly contact on the phone with her father and stays with him one weekend a month. Heathers parents divorced when she was thirteen. Her father has remarried and has three daughters from his second marriage. There is no rivalry between Heather and her half-sisters. Heathers mother and elderly grand-parents have weekly contact with the Smiths and are readily available to them both. Support may be financial, emotional or help with childcare. Heather described the relationship with her grandparents as very special. Heather sets the family boundaries at present and feels confident they both have support thru friends and family to discuss any problems that may occur. Heather and Brianna belong to many subsystems within their own family. They both belong to an only child subsystem, a female subsystem and a parent child subsystem. There are larger systems this family has meaningful contact with. These include Heathers work, Briannas daycare, the local health center and the gym. These subsystems all contribute in some way to the health and well being of this family (Wright and Leahey, 2000). As a single mother Heather encompasses the traditional gender roles of both male and female. This involves child-rearing and nurturing as well as financial and disciplining roles. The Smiths moved to the city a year ago hoping to improve choices and opportunities for themselves. Heather works 20 hours a week in a hotel and Brianna is in subsidized daycare 25 hours a week. They live in a large renter house and have a large dog for security. With one income and increased cost of living in the city, the Smiths remain in a lower socioeconomic class. Heather hopes to attend university in the future, but accepts it will be a struggle to meet the rising costs of housing, education and travel for herself and Brianna as a single parent family. Heather expressed no religious or spiritual beliefs that she and Brianna maintain. Developmental Category The focus of this category is on the developmental life cycle stages of the family including the emotional process and changes within family roles (Wright and Leahey, 2000). The Smiths are presently in stage three of the family life cycle, which focuses on families with young children (Santrock, 1997). However, this is relevant to a middle class North American family and assumes there are two parents. The CFAM does not clearly define a life cycle for a single parent family. This model fails to consider differing lifestyles, cultures, population and economics that may affect a family. This highlights a possible need for an updated model that can be adapted to any family situation. There are six stages in this developmental framework. Theses include leaving home, marriage, families with young children, families with adolescents, entries and exits from family system and families in later life. Within each stage there are specific tasks the family undertakes. At stage three these are, making space for children, joining in household tasks and activities and involving extended family in parenting and grand parenting roles (Wright and Leahey, 2000). Heathers life changed considerably after the birth of her daughter. She adjusted her life to meet the responsibilities and needs of parenthood. Briannas father found the adjustment in lifestyle difficult resulting in their separation. Heather continues to provide for Brianna thru parenting, financial support and performing household tasks. Briannas father pays weekly payments that are included in Heathers income. Both parents, contribute to Briannas development as a person. Extended family members provide emotional support and some financial support to Heather and Brianna. Heather feels she has a closer bond with her parents and grandparents now. She encourages Briannas involvement with her father. This has involved a realignment of Heathers relationship with him to provide healthy role models for Brianna. Brianna spends more time with her mother, thus they have a stronger relationship then she does with her father who is under involved with Brianna at present. Heather hopes this will improve. Functional Category Functional assessment focuses on interaction and communication among family members. Two main aspects are instrumental and expressive functioning. Instrumental functioning refers to the routine activities of daily living (Wright and Leahey, 2000). Much of this is attended to by Heather. As Briannas main care giver she is responsible for ensuring her own and her daughters food, hygiene and sleep requirements are met. If Heather is working or unwell she ensures Briannas instrumental needs are met by a friend or extended family member. She encourages Briannas independence with her own self care such as brushing her teeth with a little help, to remove some pressures of being a solo parent. Expressive functioning focuses on patterns of interaction among family members through various means of communication (Wright and Leahey,2000). Heather stated she feels able to express her feelings with Brianna. This was helped by a parenting course and anger management where Heather learnt new ways of expressing her emotions. They showed Heather the impact of circular communication patterns and how they influence relationships. She now uses therapeutic communication skills such as time out and eye contact with Brianna. Use of nonverbal communication was evident throughout the interview. Brianna would watch her mothers body language and facial cues for approval. If Brianna wanted attention she used a combination of touch, speech and eye contact with Heather. The Smiths expressed effective problem solving techniques. Heather discusses any problems with a close friend. For further support or advise she approaches teachers at Briannas daycare, her family, doctor or public health nurse. A possible cause is identified and a plan of action implemented. Heather and her friend later evaluate the situation and seek more help if necessary. Heather stated she finds this effective and this removes some of the pressure of being a the main care giver and a first time parent. As a single parent Heathers role extends beyond being a mother. She appreciates the influence her role may have on Brianna and encourages the relationship with her father and extended family so she can experience a variety of social influences. Since third move to the city, Heather feels the parent child bond with Brianna has strengthened. This is expressed through showing affection, verbally and non verbally as well as with praise for each other. This bond is likely to be stronger as they share a mother child bond and live together away from extended family. Heather uses mostly traditional medicine and trusts the advice of her doctor and public health nurse. Having community Based services and easy access to health services for Brianna and herself makes this the perfect option. Heather occasionally uses alternatives from a health shop for herself, but finds this way to expensive and as a result her choice is limited. Family Strengths Support Systems Supportive relationships and adequate social networks are beneficial to health and well being. This is highly relevant to the Smiths who have a wide network of friends, extended family and social agencies. Friends and family provide emotional and sometimes financial support. Briannas daycare encourages her educational development and gives Heather the opportunity to work. They also help Heather with parenting education and nutritional advice. The local medical center attends to the Smiths physical needs and offers education and advice on health issues such as smoking. All of these support systems contribute to the health and well being of the Smith family. Communication It was evident from the expressive functioning category of the CFAm that the smiths use a variety of communication skills. This is important due to the developmental age of Brianna who may express feelings and emotions in different ways to a grown child or adult. Heather attended a parenting course that aided communication skills to improve their relationship. These skills assisted Heather in completing and anger management course. Heather is now more able and confident in expressing her familys health needs and requirements to benefit them both. Nutrition Eating habits based on moderation and variety can help maintain and improve a persons health. Heather values the importance of nutrition through er own reading, information from Briannas daycare and the public health nurse. She ensures Brianna has protein and calcium to assist her growth and carbohydrates for fibre and energy. They eat regular servings of fresh fruits and vegetable. Heather is aware of the high incidence of osteoporosis and iron deficiency in women and has increased her intake of calcium and red meat to account for this. It is hoped healthy eating in childhood will help Brianna make healthy choices when she grows up and is living on her own. Weaknesses Smoking Heather has smoked for seven years. She finds it comforting and it helps to relieve stress. Studies have shown people in lower socioeconomic groups are more likely to smoke then those of high social class. Heather is aware of the financial and health consequences of smoking and hopes to give it up in the near future with the help of the nicotine patches available at a reduced cost due to her insurance plan from work. Knowing the harmful effects of passive smoking on Brianna and her own health, Heather is determined to give up this unhealthy and expensive habit. Financial The smiths are in a lower socioeconomic class due to their reliance on social services for help with living costs. Although Heather works part time she loses some of her accommodation supplement as a result and has to pay part of Briannas daycare costs. Their move to the city has meant increased housing costs and the cost of education for Brianna greater, making their choices limited. Community Resource The Elspeth Reid Family Resource Center (ERFRC) is an important community resource for the smith family. The center offers, parenting classes, 2 hours of free day care and a thrift store and many other services for families of all different types. They provide family support, early childhood education and care, family counseling and parenting education. Brianna attends daycare five days a week while Heather is at work. This is run by two registered teachers and to teaching assistants. This community resource contributes to the health and well being of the Smiths by providing education that encourages a healthy lifestyle, incorporating physical, mental and social aspects of health. Critical Social Theory Critical social theory was developed in the 1920s by a number of philosophers, at the Frankfurt School in Germany (Boychuck Duchscher, 1999). This theory provides a philosophical framework that aims to liberate individuals to see the conditions in society that constrain their participation in social interaction. It has been identified that there are three practical elements of critical social theory, which are enlightenment, empowerment and emancipation. These elements are useful for nursing practice as a pragmatic approach is required. The theory suggests critical social theory can only be achieved when all three elements are completed. Enlightenment involves encouraging individuals to recognize social conditions and constraints that can influence their social reality (Boychuck Duchscher, 1999). The Smiths have utilized the information on nutrition, parenting and safety. This education has encouraged them to acknowledge the importance of physical, emotional and social factors on their health and well being. Accessing and analyzing this information is the first step towards empowerment. Through critical examination of their reality the Smiths can empower themselves to make lifestyle changes that influence their health outcomes. Heather recognized the need for enlightenment on parenting and communication. Now she has the information and support, she is able to make changes that benefit her family and can move towards emancipation. Emancipation is aimed at freedom from oppression that influences peoples lives. Through the process of enlightenment and empowerment the responsibility in relation to their health needs. They have actively made changes to improve their nutrition and communication, thus influencing their health and well being. Calgary Family Intervention Model The CFAMs counterpart, CFIM provides a model for intervention after the family assessment has occurred. In this model, an intervention is described as action or activity a health car provider performs for or with a patent of family with the intent of causing a change (Wright and Leahey, 2000). Change in this respect, mans an alteration or support of behavior that promotes the ability to provide care for a family member. Each intervention in the model is used to produce changes in the family in the way they think, feel and respond (Wright and Leahey, 2000). Types of interventions used in working with families include: 1. Commending strengths of the family or individual members. 2. Providing information and education. 3. Validating emotions. 4. Allowing them to share the experience of the illness. 5. Encouraging family support. 6. Encouraging members to provide care for the patient. 7. Encouraging respite or relief from car responsibilities when needed and 8. Maintaining family rituals (Wright and Leahey, 2000). Nursing Diagnosis 1. Potential for Social Isolation Related to Care giver stress as evidenced by decreased financial ability to arrange for alternate childcare and distance from family. 2. Increasing utilization of family and community resources. Interventions This family seems to function more in the Behavioral domain of family functioning because Heather likes to do things and get out and acquire information that may help her in one way or another There are many possible interventions for the nursing diagnosis of Potential for social Isolation. Some interventions include informing Heather of some community activities such as the WIN program where she can meet other parents and child care is provided for the duration of the meeting this could also help with financial aspect too because the WIN program offers a small monthly allowance for groceries or what ever its needed for. Encourage Heather to socialize with coworkers at work and arrange a night out every couple of weeks or so. Encourage family visitations and participation in childcare more often. There are also several interventions for the diagnosis of Increasing utilization of family and community resources. They include suggesting ways to conserve resources or to expand resources through sharing with other families or bartering time and resources. Also by discussing community resources with family to help them know what is available and how to use them, the WIN program could also come into play here. Interceptive Questions How you ask questions during the interview are extremely important because you dont want to lead the person on, so using a variety of questions to help you get the information you need is usual a good way of getting accurate information. So examples of different types of questions are as follows: Difference Question 1. Whos the best in your family to come to your aid when you need it? 2. When you were first divorced and a now a single parent what did members of you family do to help make things easier on you. Behavioral Effect Question 1. What do you do when your ex-husband is either late picking up or dropping off Brianna? 2. How often do you go out with friends and who watches Brianna? Hypothetical/future-oriented Question 1. When do you think Brianna will start asking questions about your divorce? And what will you tell her? 2. Do you think that Brianna will blame herself for the divorce? If yes how will you deal with it? Triadic Question 1. If Briannas father were willing to take her more often then once a month do you think Brianna would want that? 2. What do you think Briannas father needs to do, in order to be more involved in Briannas life? Conclusion. The increasing importance of family nursing incorporating the use of an assessment and intervention framework has been identified. The Calgary Family Assessment Model and the Calgary Family Intervention Model was used to describe all the different components of the Smith Family. These components acknowledged the extended family, subsystems, larger systems this family has contact with as well as interventions aimed at helping the family improve the quality of their lives if even only a little. Their lower socioeconomic status and struggles as a single parent family were described in relation to their developmental life cycle stage, although the CFAM does not clearly define an appropriate cycle for this family. The Smiths used a variety of communication skills to interact with each other and these skills assist in the expression of feelings and problem solving withing the family. The Smiths support systems, communication skills and nutrition were identified as strengths in relation to meeting their health needs. Smoking and finances were noted as possible weaknesses and interventions were addressed at these problems. Briannas daycare was recognized as an important community resource for this family through its provision of support and education for Heather. The nursess role is relevant in family assessment to identify the need for educator, support and enlightenment on the effects of social influences on health. As identified with the Smiths, critical social theory is an important tool for nurses in recognizing, supporting and improving the health of families. Bibliography : References Boychuk Duchscher, J. E. (1999). Catching the wave: Understanding the concept of critical thinking. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 29(3), 577-583 Hatrick, G. (1998). A critical pedagogy for family nursing, Journal of Nursing Education, 37(2), 80-84. Martin-Arafeh, J. M. , Watson, C. L, Mcmurtry Baird, S. (1999). Promoting Family-Centered Care in High Risk Pregnancy The Journal of Perinatal Neonatal Nursing 13(1), 27-42 Santrock, J. W. (1997). Life-span development (6th ed. ). USA: Brown Benchmark. World Health Organization. (1986). Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. Canada: World Health Organization. Wright, L. , Leahey, M. (2000). Nurses and families: A guide to family assessment and interventions (3rd ed. ). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Co. The Families Assessment in Nursing Essay Example The Families Assessment in Nursing Paper Increasingly nursing is recognizing the significance of the family to the health and well being of individual family members (wright Leahey, 2000). Hatrick (1998) suggests family nursing in undergraduate nursing education will provide nurses with theoretical and practical skills to work effectively with families. This paper will demonstrate the assessment of one family using the Calgary Family Assessment Model (CFAM) as well as the Calgary Family Intervention Model (CFIM). The CFAM will provide information on the structural, developmental and functional components of the family. The familys strengths and weaknesses are identified, and the role of a community resource in this familys life is described. This discussion will demonstrate the relationship these concepts have on health and nursing in the family. All member of the family interviewed for this assignment agreed to participate but their names have been changed to ensure confidentiality. The Calgary Family Assessment Model The CFAM is an integrated conceptual framework developed by Wright and Leahey for use when interviewing and making assessment of families. The CFAM consists of three major categories: structural, developmental and functional. Each category contains its own subcategories that may be relevant or appropriate depending on the family being assessed. This assessment focuses on the interaction among all of the individuals withing a family. Structural Category Structural assessment aims to identify who is in the family, relationships among family member and those outside the family, and the familys context. (Wright and Leahey, 2000). The Smith family is a white single parent family consisting of Heather and her two year old daughter Brianna. Briannas father has not lived with them for a year and a half and currently lives two hours away, as do Heathers family. Brianna has weekly contact on the phone with her father and stays with him one weekend a month. We will write a custom essay sample on The Families Assessment in Nursing specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Families Assessment in Nursing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Families Assessment in Nursing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Heathers parents divorced when she was thirteen. Her father has remarried and has three daughters from his second marriage. There is no rivalry between Heather and her half-sisters. Heathers mother and elderly grand-parents have weekly contact with the Smiths and are readily available to them both. Support may be financial, emotional or help with childcare. Heather described the relationship with her grandparents as very special. Heather sets the family boundaries at present and feels confident they both have support thru friends and family to discuss any problems that may occur. Heather and Brianna belong to many subsystems within their own family. They both belong to an only child subsystem, a female subsystem and a parent child subsystem. There are larger systems this family has meaningful contact with. These include Heathers work, Briannas daycare, the local health center and the gym. These subsystems all contribute in some way to the health and well being of this family (Wright and Leahey, 2000). As a single mother Heather encompasses the traditional gender roles of both male and female. This involves child-rearing and nurturing as well as financial and disciplining roles. The Smiths moved to the city a year ago hoping to improve choices and opportunities for themselves. Heather works 20 hours a week in a hotel and Brianna is in subsidized daycare 25 hours a week. They live in a large renter house and have a large dog for security. With one income and increased cost of living in the city, the Smiths remain in a lower socioeconomic class. Heather hopes to attend university in the future, but accepts it will be a struggle to meet the rising costs of housing, education and travel for herself and Brianna as a single parent family. Heather expressed no religious or spiritual beliefs that she and Brianna maintain. Developmental Category The focus of this category is on the developmental life cycle stages of the family including the emotional process and changes within family roles (Wright and Leahey, 2000). The Smiths are presently in stage three of the family life cycle, which focuses on families with young children (Santrock, 1997). However, this is relevant to a middle class North American family and assumes there are two parents. The CFAM does not clearly define a life cycle for a single parent family. This model fails to consider differing lifestyles, cultures, population and economics that may affect a family. This highlights a possible need for an updated model that can be adapted to any family situation. There are six stages in this developmental framework. Theses include leaving home, marriage, families with young children, families with adolescents, entries and exits from family system and families in later life. Within each stage there are specific tasks the family undertakes. At stage three these are, making space for children, joining in household tasks and activities and involving extended family in parenting and grand parenting roles (Wright and Leahey, 2000). Heathers life changed considerably after the birth of her daughter. She adjusted her life to meet the responsibilities and needs of parenthood. Briannas father found the adjustment in lifestyle difficult resulting in their separation. Heather continues to provide for Brianna thru parenting, financial support and performing household tasks. Briannas father pays weekly payments that are included in Heathers income. Both parents, contribute to Briannas development as a person. Extended family members provide emotional support and some financial support to Heather and Brianna. Heather feels she has a closer bond with her parents and grandparents now. She encourages Briannas involvement with her father. This has involved a realignment of Heathers relationship with him to provide healthy role models for Brianna. Brianna spends more time with her mother, thus they have a stronger relationship then she does with her father who is under involved with Brianna at present. Heather hopes this will improve. Functional Category Functional assessment focuses on interaction and communication among family members. Two main aspects are instrumental and expressive functioning. Instrumental functioning refers to the routine activities of daily living (Wright and Leahey, 2000). Much of this is attended to by Heather. As Briannas main care giver she is responsible for ensuring her own and her daughters food, hygiene and sleep requirements are met. If Heather is working or unwell she ensures Briannas instrumental needs are met by a friend or extended family member. She encourages Briannas independence with her own self care such as brushing her teeth with a little help, to remove some pressures of being a solo parent. Expressive functioning focuses on patterns of interaction among family members through various means of communication (Wright and Leahey,2000). Heather stated she feels able to express her feelings with Brianna. This was helped by a parenting course and anger management where Heather learnt new ways of expressing her emotions. They showed Heather the impact of circular communication patterns and how they influence relationships. She now uses therapeutic communication skills such as time out and eye contact with Brianna. Use of nonverbal communication was evident throughout the interview. Brianna would watch her mothers body language and facial cues for approval. If Brianna wanted attention she used a combination of touch, speech and eye contact with Heather. The Smiths expressed effective problem solving techniques. Heather discusses any problems with a close friend. For further support or advise she approaches teachers at Briannas daycare, her family, doctor or public health nurse. A possible cause is identified and a plan of action implemented. Heather and her friend later evaluate the situation and seek more help if necessary. Heather stated she finds this effective and this removes some of the pressure of being a the main care giver and a first time parent. As a single parent Heathers role extends beyond being a mother. She appreciates the influence her role may have on Brianna and encourages the relationship with her father and extended family so she can experience a variety of social influences. Since third move to the city, Heather feels the parent child bond with Brianna has strengthened. This is expressed through showing affection, verbally and non verbally as well as with praise for each other. This bond is likely to be stronger as they share a mother child bond and live together away from extended family. Heather uses mostly traditional medicine and trusts the advice of her doctor and public health nurse. Having community Based services and easy access to health services for Brianna and herself makes this the perfect option. Heather occasionally uses alternatives from a health shop for herself, but finds this way to expensive and as a result her choice is limited. Family Strengths Support Systems Supportive relationships and adequate social networks are beneficial to health and well being. This is highly relevant to the Smiths who have a wide network of friends, extended family and social agencies. Friends and family provide emotional and sometimes financial support. Briannas daycare encourages her educational development and gives Heather the opportunity to work. They also help Heather with parenting education and nutritional advice. The local medical center attends to the Smiths physical needs and offers education and advice on health issues such as smoking. All of these support systems contribute to the health and well being of the Smith family. Communication It was evident from the expressive functioning category of the CFAm that the smiths use a variety of communication skills. This is important due to the developmental age of Brianna who may express feelings and emotions in different ways to a grown child or adult. Heather attended a parenting course that aided communication skills to improve their relationship. These skills assisted Heather in completing and anger management course. Heather is now more able and confident in expressing her familys health needs and requirements to benefit them both. References: Friedman, Marilyn M.  Family nursing: Theory and practice. McGraw-Hill/Appleton Lange, 1992. Morton, Patricia Gonce, et al.  Critical care nursing: a holistic approach. Lippincott Williams Wilkins, 2017. Potter, Patricia Ann.  Fundamentals of nursing. Vol. 1. Mosby Incorporated, 2001.