Research Abstract: I Am Still A Nurse: The Lived Experience of HIV-Positive Nurses

Alabama Nurse,  Dec 2003-Feb 2004  by Jones, Sande Gracia

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The study finding that AIDS continues to be perceived as a stigmatizing disease has been noteJrfiy other researchers and other nurses. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) selected "Nurses: Fighting AIDS stigma, caring for all" as the 2003 theme for International Nurses Day. ICN noted that "stigma and discrimination block the march forward against HIV/AIDS, fueling the HIV/AIDS epidemic by creating a culture of secrecy, silence, ignorance, blame, shame and victimization." The 2003 theme denotes that by continuing to fight AIDS stigma and providing care for all, nurses will lead the way in breaking down the walls of stigma and silence.

The study findings have several implications for practice. A priority implication is the need for assistance and support in the work place for HIV-positive nurses. The American Nurses Association (1993) states that HIV-infected nurses who continue working deserve support and confidentiality. Strategies need to be developed to assist working nurses to take their HIV medication, and continue their HIV-related treatments, without breaching their confidentiality and right to privacy. A second implication for practice is the need for HIV-positive nurses to have their own support group or referral service, while protecting their confidentiality. At this time, there is nothing in the literature that addresses social support in relation to HIV-positive nurses, and there are no known services available exclusively for HIV-positive nurses. Additionally, further study is needed to explore the experience of nurses who have other chronic infections, such as hepatitis, and nurses who suffer from other types of chronic medical conditions, to determine if they also have workplace issues and concerns.

Lastly, an important implication for practice is the need for nurses to help combat the stigma of AIDS. As noted by ICN, nurses must continue to fight AIDS stigma. Nurses must also look within themselves and explore their personal values and beliefs regarding caring for people with AIDS. Nurses can then help to combat the stigma of AIDS by serving as role models when caring for those infected and affected by AIDS.

REFERENCES

International Council of Nurses. (2003). Nurses: Fighting AIDS stigma, caring for all. Available at http://icn.ch/indkit.htm

Jones, S.G. (2002). The other side of the pill bottle: The lived experience of HIV+ nurses on HIV combination drug therapy. JANAC, Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 13(3), 22-36.

Jones, S.G. (2001). Taking HAART: How to support patients with HIV/AIDS. Nursing 2001, 31(12), 36-41.

Reprinted with permission from Paula Massey, Executive Director, Florida Nurses Association.

by Sande Gracia Jones, PhD, ARNP, ACRN, CS, C, BC, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, College of Health & Urban Affairs, Florida International University, Miami

Copyright Alabama State Nurses' Association Dec 2003-Feb 2004
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