The Experience of Nurses Working with Hospitalized AIDS Patients

Twenty nurses were interviewed about their experiences of caring exclusively for AIDS patients. A qualitative analysis of the data revealed that group identity, social support, social stigma, identification with patients, and burnout were important to the experience. The process of identification with patients was a significant source of distress which affected the male homosexual staff more than other staff. Yet working in the AIDS unit also had its rewards with some male homosexual staff expressing relief at not having to conceal their sexuality. Nurses' experiences in the AIDS unit were somewhat differentiated by their ability to identify with the male homosexual group. Those who identified strongly with the group were more at risk of over-identification with patients yet seemed likely to receive recognition and support from colleagues. Many staff suffered due to the stigma attached to caring for AIDS patients and often reported not telling people where they worked. A significant number of staff are said to have already left the unit due to AIDS burnout.