What a nursing genogram should show
- At least three generations, both sides of the family.
- Age, or birth and death years, for everyone.
- Health conditions for each person: chronic illness, mental health, substance use.
- Cause of death for deceased relatives.
- A key that names every condition you marked.
Using color for conditions
When several conditions run in a family, give each its own fill color, for example red for heart disease and green for diabetes. The key lists each color with its conditions, and the pattern across generations is visible at a glance.
Common in
- Community and family health nursing courses.
- Genetics and genomics modules.
- Health assessment assignments.