Ethical dilemmas and AIDS: nursing issues regarding rights and obligations

Nurses and other health professionals deal with many ethical dilemmas daily. The AIDS epidemic has generated enormous controversy affecting the care and treatment of persons with HIV infections. As the epidemic spreads, the ethical issues become more apparent. The AIDS situation highlights the precarious balance between individual rights and the public welfare, patients' rights, and the rights of nurses and their professional obligations. Ethical questions have also been raised concerning equal rights to healthcare resources. The AIDS epidemic has caused hysteria among members of our society, including some people in the nursing profession. Implications for nursing practice and education are outlined to help nurses to make ethical rather than emotional decisions.