Everyone has their own definition of family. Whatever that definition, the nurse must work with the family and their dynamics.

The functions and characteristics of the family can and will affect the health of the individual. Families go through life cycles, from starting a family to growing old.

family — a group of two or more people (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together (including related subfamily members). family household — a group of two or more people (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption, including any unrelated people (unrelated subfamily members and/or…. family unit — a household maintained by a householder who is in a family; includes any unrelated people (unrelated subfamily members and/or secondary individuals) who may reside together. intimate partner violence (IVP) — abuse that is caused by someone who is or has been romantically involved with the victim.