To often, families ignore what the nurse in the family has to say.  I know I've had this experience repeatedly.  I teach all the kids in the family about reproduction, drugs, including alcohol, STD's, birth control.  They listen, but I wonder sometimes if they actually hear what is being said.  I don't lecture, we talk, I answer questions, give information, I also ask them questions.  I also continually reinforce the need for handwashing, covering your mouth and nose with your sleeve while coughing and sneezing. keeping their hands out of their mouths, without proper hand washing.  The use of a 10/1 bleach solution to clean kitchen counters, food not being left out, food dated when put in the fridge and not to be used after a certain number of days of refrigeration.  Do I see the kids and adults not follow my teachings?  Yep I do, all to often.

Continually with my siblings, my father when he was alive, only call about things after the fact or when they're having problems communicating with their physicians.  Maybe my family is not the norm, but from discussions with other nurses, I don't think so.

 Do you educate your own family?