Experiences of enrolled nurses towards caring for people living with HIV and AIDS

Abstract

The aim of the study was to gain an understanding on the experiences of enrolled nurses with regard to caring for people living with HIV and AIDS in one of the rural hospital in Vhembe district, in order to make recommendations for guiding and supporting those enrolled nurses. This study followed qualitative approach using interpretative phenomenological analysis design. Data were collected from 11 purposively selected participants using semi structured interviews. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis framework for data analysis. Three super-ordinate themes emerged from data analysis namely: resources, support and impact of working with HIV positive patients. The study revealed that enrolled nurses are failing to provide proper care to people living with HIV and AIDS due to inadequate resources and lack of support. This situation has negative impact on the health of enrolled nurses providing care to people living with HIV and AIDS. Recommendations are put forth to improve resources, enhance support and for mitigating impacts experienced by enrolled nurses when caring for people living with HIV and AIDS at a rural hospital in Vhembe district of Limpopo province.