Challenges experienced by professional nurses caring for patients diagnosed with AIDS related illnesses

2^nd International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs, & STIs

October 27-29, 2014 Embassy Suites Las Vegas, USA

N D Ndou, M S Maputle, R T Lebese and L B Khoza

Accepted Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

The purpose of this study was to explore the professional nurses? challenges caring for patients who were diagnosed with AIDS related illnesses at one of the hospitals at Tshwane district in Gauteng province, South Africa. A qualitative research design was applied to explore challenges experienced by professional nurses when caring for patients who were admitted at the hospital with AIDS related illnesses. Population comprised of nineteen professional nurses. Triangulation of data collection method was used, namely; in-depth individual interviews using semi-structured interview guide and a checklist was used to collect data from the nurses? personnel records. Qualitative data was analyzed by using open coding method and descriptive statistics to analyze quantitative data. The research findings revealed two themes, namely; physical and psychological challenges. The challenges had a negative impact on professional nurses? performance physically and psychologically. Guidelines to improve institutional support were developed.