Clinical nurse specialist practice: addressing populations with HIV/AIDS

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) in public health and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome are needed to eliminate healthcare disparities, especially with African American women, ages 25-44. This population of women accounts for 64% of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome cases reported among women, and most of these women need nursing care in community settings. Epidemiologic data and nursing research findings demonstrate an urgent need for nurses with advanced practice competencies in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The competencies identified by the National Association of Clinical Nurses Specialists in 3 spheres of influence-direct care, nursing personnel, and organizations/networks-are used to describe clinical nurse specialist competencies as they relate to this population. Leininger's Sunrise Model serves as a framework to help this population preserve, accommodate, and repattern behaviors for the prevention and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome.