Harmony the Nursing Student
Harmony the Nursing Student
Discussion Forum: Case Study – Harmony the Nursing Student
Instructions: Read Case Study Below and discuss the questions that follow:
Harmony is a nursing student who works part-time in a community behavioral health clinic that is subsidized by a large university. Harmony is interested in psychiatric nursing and working with clients who suffer from chronic mental illness. Since beginning work in the clinic, Harmony has learned that families who experience chronic mental illness have little capacity to organize health promotion behaviors as they try to deal with immediate and serious problems.
- Mrs. Rainwater’s husband is an alcoholic, and her teenage daughter is pregnant with her second child. What aspects make the Rainwater family a vulnerable family? Discuss.
- The Rainwater family is a multiproblem family with disturbed internal dynamics. What other problems may the Rainwater family face in addition to their disturbed internal dynamics? Discuss.
- Harmony meets with the Rainwater family to discuss treatment options for Mrs. Rainwater. What type of communication should Harmony use for this family with multiple problems? Discuss.
Minimum 250 words. Reply to at least one student with no less than 100 words.
Discussion Forum: Case Study – Harmony the Nursing Student
1. Vulnerability of the Rainwater Family
The Rainwater family exemplifies a vulnerable family due to multiple compounding factors. Firstly, Mrs. Rainwater’s husband struggles with alcoholism, which significantly impacts the family dynamics. Alcoholism can lead to emotional and financial instability, creating an environment rife with stress and conflict. Additionally, the teenage daughter’s pregnancy with her second child compounds this vulnerability, as it may lead to further emotional and economic strain on the family. The young mother may not possess the necessary resources or support systems to navigate her circumstances effectively, further exacerbating the family’s issues. These factors collectively hinder the family’s ability to engage in health-promoting behaviors, as they are preoccupied with immediate crises rather than long-term health and well-being.
2. Additional Problems Faced by the Rainwater Family
In addition to their disturbed internal dynamics, the Rainwater family may face various other problems. Financial strain is likely a significant issue, as Mrs. Rainwater may struggle to support her family due to her husband’s inability to contribute due to his alcoholism. This financial burden could lead to inadequate access to healthcare, proper nutrition, and educational resources for the children. Furthermore, the family may also experience social isolation, as stigma surrounding mental illness and substance abuse can lead to withdrawal from their social support networks. The combination of these issues could create a cycle of dysfunction, where each problem exacerbates the others, making it increasingly difficult for the family to achieve stability and improve their overall situation.
3. Communication Strategies for Harmony
When Harmony meets with the Rainwater family to discuss treatment options for Mrs. Rainwater, it is crucial that she employs effective communication strategies tailored to their complex situation. Harmony should use empathetic, non-judgmental language to establish trust and rapport with the family. Given the family’s multiple problems, active listening will be essential. This allows Harmony to fully understand their concerns and perspectives. She should also encourage open dialogue, ensuring that all family members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Moreover, using clear, jargon-free language when discussing treatment options will help avoid misunderstandings, empowering the family to participate actively in decision-making. Additionally, Harmony might consider employing a family-centered approach, recognizing that the issues faced by each family member are interconnected. By fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard, Harmony can facilitate a more collaborative and supportive treatment process.
References
Baird, S. L., & Cottone, R. R. (2015). Families with Mental Illness: Implications for Nurses. American Nurse Today, 10(9), 20-25.
https://www.myamericannurse.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/American-Nurse-Today-Oct-2015.pdf
Bray, J. W., & Zarkin, G. A. (2006). Substance Abuse and Family Systems. Journal of Family Social Work, 10(2), 89-106.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J039v10n02_07
Friedman, L. S. (2013). Families and Health: A Social Work Perspective. Health & Social Work, 38(3), 153-156.
https://academic.oup.com/hsw/article/38/3/153/2833519
McCabe, R., & Priebe, S. (2004). Communication in Mental Health Care: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Mental Health, 13(3), 241-256.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09638230410001700886
Patterson, J. M. (2002). Understanding Family Resilience. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(3), 233-246.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jclp.10019
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