Developing an inservice program on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Nurses often have negative beliefs about caring for people with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) that may affect the care given their patients. The relation between these beliefs about caring for clients with AIDS and nurses' knowledge about such patient care is studied. A study of 515 registered nurses showed that the more knowledgeable RNs perceived they were, the more positive were their beliefs about caring for people with AIDS. Based on the results of this research, an AIDS inservice program is proposed that addresses the cognitive and affective learning needs of nurses.