Student nurses' perceptions and experiences in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS: a qualitative study

BackgroundCaring 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.MethodsThis 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.ResultsTwo 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.ConclusionsFindings 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.

Automated summary

This study explored the perceptions and experiences of nursing students in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) through semi-structured telephone interviews. The findings revealed that student nurses' attitudes and perceptions towards PLWHAs developed through three distinct stages and showed positive changes after care-giving. The participants' perceptions and practical experiences provided valuable insights for nursing educators to better prepare HIV nurses and ensure fair and high-quality care for patients.