Family nursing is in the early stages of development, and there is often difficulty in translating nursing conceptual frameworks into terms that are less abstract and more readily usable in the family practice arena. Yet the conversion of abstract ideas to concrete descriptions is necessary if nursing theory-based practice is to expand. This article describes the client system known as family within the Neuman systems model. Based on clinical data and the experience of nurses using the Neuman model in practice, a description of the family as client is developed. The five variables of Neuman's model are identified and the terms used in describing the family system are clarified. A rationale for the application is also presented.
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