Shi C, Cleofas JV. Student nurses' perceptions and experiences in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS: a qualitative study.
BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023;
23:99. [PMID:
36750808 PMCID:
PMC9906868 DOI:
10.1186/s12909-023-04074-x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Caring for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) requires clinical experience and quality care delivery skills. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of nursing students in caring for PLWHAs.
METHODS
This qualitative descriptive study interviewed 18 student nurses who had cared for PLWHAs from 14 tertiary hospitals across 7 provinces in China through semi-structured telephone interviews.
RESULTS
Two themes emerged from the narratives: student nurses' perceptions and attitudes toward PLWHAs and student nurses' practical experiences with PLWHAs. Five theme clusters were revealed, namely "negative attitudes held before the care-giving," "a series of psychological struggles in care-giving," "favorable attitudes increased after the care-giving," "consensus on care delivery for PLWHAs," and "considerations regarding contamination reduction."
CONCLUSIONS
Findings shed light on the development and changes in student nurses' perspectives on PLWHAs throughout their clinical experiences. Student nurses' perceptions and attitudes toward PLWHAs progressed through three distinct stages, and positive changes were observed after care-giving. Participants' perceptions and practical experiences with patients with AIDS enable patients to receive fair and high-quality care and provide valuable insights for nursing educators better prepare HIV nurses.
Collapse