| Learning Objective #1: Describe issues related to confidentiality, intensity of caregiving, educational needs, and occupational exposure risks for nurses caring for patients with HIV/AIDS in rural settings. | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Identify how nurses caring for patients with HIV/AIDS viewed the profession of nursing as they voiced their caregiving experiences. |
The purpose of this study was to investigate rural nurses’ experiences in providing nursing care to persons with HIV/AIDS. Method:
The data analyzed for this study was a secondary analysis of qualitative data collected during a larger study of rural nurses that used descriptive correlation design, a demographic questionnaire, standardized instruments, and mailed survey method. As part of the demographic data questionnaire, nurses were given an opportunity to respond to a statement that solicited comments regarding nurse caregiving to persons with HIV/AIDS. In response to this statement, 76 nurses returned written comments. Content analysis was used to analyze the nurses’ written responses. Responses were read verbatim and those with similar content were grouped into categories. From these groupings, themes were identified. All nurses’ comments were re-read to determine any new themes.Findings:
The final themes that were identified included: Risk of Occupational Exposure, Intensity of Nurse Caregiving for Persons with HIV/AIDS, Lack of Concern about HIV, Confidentiality, Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS, Philosophy of Nursing and Nursing Care, and Need for Education.Discussion:
Rural nurses had cared for patients with HIV/AIDS and they were interested in telling their stories of the caregiving. Nurses revealed instances of caregiving that highlighted risk for transmission to the health care worker, lack of caring, and intense caregiving in which the nurse spent a lot of time providing for the needs of the person with HIV/AIDS. Conclusion:
With the anticipation of increased numbers of persons with HIV/AIDS in rural areas, nurses must be empowered clinically and intellectually to provide quality nursing care. Efforts to assist nurses in caring for persons with HIV/AIDS must begin with educational preparation in schools of nursing, mentoring by more experienced nurses, and through the provision of continued education in the work place.
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