EDGEWOOD COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

 

N211

 

GUIDELINES FOR FAMILY GENOGRAM REVIEW

 

 

The genogram is a tool nurses can use to outline the family structure and display health information.  Usually three generations of a family are shown with symbols to denote genealogy.  Please refer to handouts from your instructor for a sample genogram, symbols and practice exercises.

 

Interview your family to obtain information to complete a three generation family genogram.  This means gathering information about:

 

The adults in the household you are visiting, including former spouses, etc.

 

The family of origin of the adults (parents and siblings)

 

All of the children of the adults in your household

 

Include cause and age of death for anyone who has died

 

Include significant health problems (physical, mental, social, etc)

 

Include occupation for your household members

 

Prepare questions ahead of time, so you get all the information that you need.

 

 

Write up to include:

 

  1. Draw  family genogram using format, symbols, etc. from handout

 

  1. Describe the setting, who you interviewed, etc. and describe the interview – client reactions, willingness to discuss family history, reactions to questions, etc.

 

  1. Describe your family genogram.   Discuss what you learned about your family from this exercise.  Address family structure, sibling subsystem, patterns of repetition of health problems or life events through the generations, etc.

 

  1. What strengths and weaknesses did you identify in your family?
  2. Self-reflection/evaluation.  How did you feel?  What did you do well?  What would you do differently next time?

 

 

SUBMIT REPORT ON LINE TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR BY SCHEDULED DUE DATE.  HAND IN GENOGRAM DIAGRAM IN CLASS.