Authentic caring: the sensible answer for clients and staff dealing with HIV/AIDS

The Denver Nursing Project in Human Caring is a nurse-managed outpatient center providing integrated care and services for persons living with HIV/AIDS, their family members, and friends. The center is collaboratively sponsored by three Denver hospitals and the University of Colorado School of Nursing. Programs and services of the center are based on Watson's theory of human care nursing. The ongoing challenge to operationalize authentic caring has resulted in growth and satisfaction for both clients and staff. In addition, the center has documented its cost effectiveness for the participating institutions.