Coming full circle: mentorship in HIV/AIDS care

The role of the mentor has been found to be crucial for learning, yet mentorship in HIV/AIDS nursing care has not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to (a) examine the characteristics of a nurse mentor in HIV care as perceived by nursing and medical students and HIV staff, and (b) explore an HIV nurse mentor's perceptions of her role and responsibilities in the professional development of students and staff. Mentorship, as a process of "coming full circle," was highlighted by the mentor's accounts of early influences in her career as well as students' and staff members' intents to facilitate the professional development of the next generation. The legacy of excellent HIV nursing care can be continued if expert HIV nurse mentors are identified and encouraged to work with students, inexperienced nurses, and health care providers. Health care institutions have a responsibility to foster mentorship in HIV/AIDS care to assure quality health care for clients and the professional development of expert nurses in HIV/AIDS care.