Constructions of family nursing: a critical exploration

Increasingly, the 'family' has become more prominent as part of the interest of nursing. However, this interest has not been accompanied by a critical examination of the current models of family nursing. A critical exploration of the construction of family nursing models reveals a problematic reliance on borrowed theories. Systems theoretical approaches have been widely adopted in nursing, yet are infrequently acknowledged as apolitical constructions that act to minimise the impact of the complex social relations surrounding families. Similarly, the uses of developmental theories in family nursing have not explained the implications of their eurocentric and male construction. The adoption of family nursing models may lead to the decontextualised care of the family and subsequently, to paternalistic nursing responses to families.