How to Create a High-Scoring Nursing Genogram: Step-by-Step Student Guide

NUR2180 Genogram Assignment

 

Genogram:

Create a genogram of your family history for three or four generations (your children, yourself, your parents, your grandparents). It can be hand drawn or created in the

computer. Use the following symbols and grading rubric as a guide.

 

Genogram Grading Rubric

 

Neatness (10 points)

Legibility and Organization (5 points): 5 points: Writing is clear, readable, and organized on one piece of paper. Completely legible and professional. 3-4 points: Mostly legible with minor issues (e.g., small areas of crowding or light smudging). 1-2 points: Significant legibility issues or messy presentation. Use of Tools (5 points): 5 points: Lines are drawn with a ruler or are computer-generated; symbols and text are neat and properly aligned. All lines and symbols are precise and well-organized. 3-4 points: Most lines and symbols are straight and organized, with minor alignment issues. 1-2 points: Frequent alignment issues or uneven lines detract from clarity. Key (10 points)

Inclusion of Symbols (5 points): 5 points: The key includes all symbols used in the genogram with clear explanations. Comprehensive and no errors or omissions. 3-4 points: Mostly complete but minor omissions or unclear details. 1-2 points: Incomplete or poorly explained key. Alignment with Genogram (5 points): 5 points: Symbols used in the genogram match those defined in the key. Full alignment with no discrepancies.

 

 

3-4 points: Minor mismatches or inconsistencies. 1-2 points: Frequent mismatches between the key and the genogram. Relationships (20 points)

Proband Identification (10 points): 10 points: The individual who is the subject of the genogram (proband) is clearly and uniquely marked. Proband is clearly indicated and easy to locate. 6-9 points: Proband is marked, but the notation could be clearer. 1-5 points: Proband is difficult to identify or missing. Clarity of Relationships (10 points): 10 points: Depictions of relationships (e.g., marriages, divorces, adoptions) are accurate and clear. All relationships are represented accurately with appropriate symbols and lines. 6-9 points: Most relationships are correct but with minor errors or omissions. 1-5 points: Multiple inaccuracies or unclear relationship representations.

Number of Levels (20 points)

Generational Representation (10 points): 10 points: At least three levels for individuals without children and four levels for individuals with children. All required generations are represented and organized. 6-9 points: Missing one level or levels are incomplete. 1-5 points: Significant generational omissions or disorganization. Alignment of Levels (10 points): 10 points: Individuals in the same generation (e.g., grandparents) are aligned horizontally. Perfect alignment for each generational level. 6-9 points: Mostly aligned with minor inconsistencies. 1-5 points: Frequent alignment issues or confusion within levels. Age and Health Information (30 points)

Basic Information (15 points): 15 points: Each individual includes sex, age or birth date, and age at death or date of death (if applicable). Complete and accurate information for all individuals. 10-14 points: Minor omissions or inaccuracies in a few cases. 1-9 points: Significant gaps or errors in basic information. Health Diagnoses (15 points): 15 points: Includes known physical and mental health conditions for individuals where applicable. Comprehensive and accurate health information for most individuals. 10-14 points: Some individuals are missing health information, but omissions are minimal.

 

 

1-9 points: Many individuals lack health information or the information is inaccurate. Overall Summary of Findings (10 points)

Identification of Cues (3 points): 3 points: Recognizes familial patterns or concerns (e.g., hereditary illnesses, strained relationships). Identifies all major cues. 2 points: Identifies some major cues. 1 point: Few or no cues are identified. Analysis of Problems (4 points): 4 points: Analyzes familial problems based on the genogram (e.g., health trends, relational issues). Thorough and insightful analysis. 2-3 points: Basic analysis with some gaps in depth or clarity. 1 point: Analysis is superficial or incomplete. Solutions and Recommendations (3 points): 3 points: Provides possible solutions or interventions for identified problems. Solutions are thoughtful and relevant. 2 points: Solutions are basic or lack detail. 1 point: Solutions are missing or irrelevant.

 

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the NUR2180 Genogram Assignment

This assignment evaluates both technical accuracy and clinical insight. Follow each step carefully to align your work directly with the grading rubric.


Step 1: Decide Your Format (Neatness – 10 Points)

Choose one of the following:

  • Computer-generated genogram (recommended for clarity and alignment)

  • Hand-drawn genogram (must be drawn neatly using a ruler)

✔ Use one clean page
✔ Ensure all writing is legible
✔ Avoid crowding—leave space between individuals

This step directly affects Legibility, Organization, and Use of Tools.


Step 2: Identify the Proband (Relationships – 10 Points)

The proband is you.

✔ Clearly mark yourself with:

  • A double outline

  • Or an arrow labeled “Proband”

✔ Make sure the proband is easy to find at first glance

This is a high-value rubric item—do not overlook it.


Step 3: Include the Correct Number of Generations (20 Points)

You must include:

  • Grandparents

  • Parents

  • You

  • Your children (if applicable)

✔ Each generation must be on a horizontal line
✔ Generations must be clearly separated and aligned

Missing or misaligned generations will result in significant point loss.


Step 4: Use Correct Genogram Symbols (Key – 10 Points)

Create a key/legend on the same page or a second page.

Your key should clearly explain:

  • Male / Female symbols

  • Marriage, divorce, separation

  • Death

  • Mental health diagnoses

  • Physical health conditions

  • Substance use (if included)

✔ Every symbol used in the genogram must appear in the key
✔ The symbols in the genogram must match the key exactly


Step 5: Accurately Show Relationships (20 Points)

Use correct lines and symbols to represent:

  • Marriages

  • Divorces or separations

  • Biological children

  • Adoptions (if applicable)

✔ Relationships should be clear and logical
✔ Avoid crossing lines whenever possible
✔ Children should be centered under parents


Step 6: Add Required Demographic Information (Age & Health – 30 Points)

Basic Information (15 Points)

For each individual, include:

  • Sex

  • Current age or birth year

  • Age at death or death year (if deceased)

Health Diagnoses (15 Points)

Include known:

  • Chronic physical illnesses (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)

  • Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety)

  • Substance use disorders (if applicable)

✔ Use brief labels (e.g., “HTN,” “DM2,” “Depression”)
✔ Do not guess—only include known or reported conditions


Step 7: Write the Overall Summary of Findings (10 Points)

This is where your nursing analysis is evaluated.

A. Identification of Cues (3 Points)

Identify visible patterns such as:

  • Repeated chronic illness

  • Mental health trends

  • Substance use across generations

  • Relationship instability

B. Analysis of Problems (4 Points)

Explain what these patterns may indicate from a health or psychosocial perspective.

Example:

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Learned coping behaviors

  • Intergenerational trauma

C. Solutions & Recommendations (3 Points)

Propose realistic nursing or healthcare interventions:

  • Preventive screenings

  • Patient education

  • Mental health referrals

  • Lifestyle or coping interventions


Step 8: Final Rubric Check Before Submission

Before submitting, ask yourself:
✔ Is the proband clearly marked?
✔ Are all generations aligned correctly?
✔ Does every symbol appear in the key?
✔ Is health information complete where known?
✔ Is the summary analytical, not just descriptive?


Helpful Genogram Resources (Student-Friendly)

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