Integrating HIV/AIDS policies and curricular content into baccalaureate nursing programs

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Infectious Disease Control
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Implementing effective HIV/AIDS policies in nursing education is crucial for patient safety and student preparedness.
• A structured model integrating policy, instruction, and evaluation is needed to enhance knowledge and practice.
• Gaps in knowledge retention and consistent application of universal precautions (U.P.) among nursing students require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a model for implementing HIV/AIDS policies in nursing education.
• To evaluate the retention of HIV/AIDS knowledge and the application of U.P. among baccalaureate nursing students.
• To identify factors influencing the consistent application of U.P. by nursing students.

Main Methods:

• A school of nursing implemented a model for HIV/AIDS policy integration.
• A research-based evaluation assessed knowledge retention and U.P. application in junior and senior baccalaureate nursing students.
• Student surveys gathered data on knowledge, U.P. practices, confidence, and resource availability.

Main Results:

• 59% of junior and 75% of senior nursing students retained HIV/AIDS and U.P. knowledge.
• Seniors reported adequate supplies, equipment, and time for U.P. implementation.
• Despite high confidence (96%), only 64% of seniors consistently applied correct U.P. procedures.

Conclusions:

• While knowledge retention is moderate, consistent application of U.P. among nursing students remains a challenge.
• Ensuring consistent U.P. application is vital for protecting nursing students and enhancing patient care quality.
• Further strategies are needed to bridge the gap between perceived confidence and actual practice of U.P. in nursing education.