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What Does a HIV/AIDS Nurse Do?

Should you choose HIV/AIDS nursing as a profession, you might be involved in long-term care and case management of patients with this condition. HIV/AIDS nurses typically work in a public health or private care clinic and see patients with HIV/AIDS for their routine follow-up visits. These visits normally include:

• Blood draws
• Assessing lab values while paying close attention to specific white blood cell counts and measuring the amount of the virus in the blood
• Assessing adherence to medication regimens

Education & Training Required to Become a HIV/AIDS Nurse

While it is possible to become certified as a nurse in HIV/AIDS care, as an AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN), there are no specific degree programs in HIV/AIDS nursing at the bachelor's level. In order to become certified as an ACRN, you must first complete an accredited RN or BSN program. There is no online degree program for HIV/AIDS nursing, however there are online options for receiving continuing education units (CEUs) for ACRNs.

At the master's level, there are several sub-specialty degree programs in HIV/AIDS nursing as part of the adult nurse practitioner track at academic institutions across the nation.

Typical Characteristics of a HIV/AIDS Nurse

Practicing as an HIV/AIDS nurse requires you to have an open mind as you will be caring for various patient populations. Historically, HIV/AIDS care has revolved around Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) populations, but you will be seeing more females and racial and ethnic minority populations living with and acquiring the condition. When caring for patients with HIV/AIDS, understanding their background, their psychological and sociological needs, their medication regimens, and their lab values are all vital to their case management at any health care facility.

High Demand for HIV/AIDS Nurses

With no cure and no vaccine currently available, HIV/AIDS continues to afflict people across all demographics. Having access to comprehensive care and working with a sympathetic nurse is important to the quality of life for these patients with a potentially debilitating condition. Depending on the region in which you practice, HIV/AIDS nurses' salaries are comparable to that of hospital staff nurses. Should your passion lie in caring for the under-served or marginalized populations, HIV/AIDS nursing might be for you.