5B_ A Documentary of the Heroes of San Francisco General’s Ward 5B.mp4
- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- HIV/AIDS nurse
HIV/AIDS nurse
An HIV/AIDS nurse helps patients with the treatment and management of this immunodeficiency disease.
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Required education
ADN or BSN
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
What is the role of an HIV/AIDS nurse?
You’ll help patients and families handle the stigma of HIV/AIDS and address misconceptions about the disease’s contagiousness, causes, and effects.
What you’ll do as an HIV/AIDS nurse
Advocate
You’ll help break down the myths surrounding the disease by advocating for your patients.
Connection
You’ll recommend support groups and other services to your patients.
Education
You’ll teach patients and communities about how to live with and prevent the spread of the disease.
Treatment
You’ll examine and monitor patients, administer medication, help manage side effects, treat secondary infections and work out treatment plans.
Where you’ll work as an HIV/AIDS nurse
HIV/AIDS nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Assisted living facilities
- Community centers
- Doctors’ offices
- Home care agencies
- Hospice centers
- Hospitals
- Outpatient care clinics
- Patients’ homes
How to become an HIV/AIDS nurse
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Work as a Registered Nurse, ideally gaining at least two years’ experience in an HIV/AIDS related field.
Pass your AIDS Certified Registered Nurse exam through the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board.
You’re ready to work as an HIV/AIDS Nurse.
HIV/AIDS nurse career resources
Become a member of an HIV/AIDS nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
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