Ethical issues in providing nursing care to human immunodeficiency virus-infected populations

During the past few years, an incredible body of knowledge about HIV infection and all of its ramifications has been accumulated. As we consider whether or not our conduct toward persons who are HIV infected is right, however, many unanswered questions still exist. All health care professionals must be involved in reflection, re-examination of values, and ethical analysis of our behaviors. Nurses have an obligation to be informed about HIV infection, its clinical manifestations, treatments, and the care of affected persons. We must help our patients to know their needs and their options. We must listen to them. We must advocate for them. It has been said that nurses caring for patients with AIDS require two dominant characteristics: courage and impartiality. They need courage to face risks and impartiality to temper prejudice. In addition to these characteristics, nurses need a strong sense of caring, compassion for fellow human beings, and a conviction that they can make a difference in promoting a person's welfare and preserving his or her dignity.