A phenomenographic study: Exploring the variations of registered nurses’ perceived roles and experiences as HIV counselors

Abstract

The study explored the variations of registered nurses' perceived roles and experiences before, during and after HIV counseling. The study is anchored on Parse's Human Becoming Theory structured around three abiding themes: meaning, rhythmicity, and transcendence. A qualitative phenomenographical approach was used and the data were collected through semi structured, face-to-face, in-depth interview sessions with ten registered nurses who were eligible under the set criterion: HIV counselors employed in both government and private health facilities with HIV Testing and Counseling facilities and services in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City. Verbatim transcriptions were analyzed in iterative process using Jan Larssons and Inger Holmstrom's (2007) seven simple steps of phenomenographic analysis. Triangulation and validation established rigor and trustworthiness of the data. Emergent themes of differences in participants' perceived roles and experiences conveyed in a metaphor: The Employee vs. The Educator; The Professional vs. The Shepherd. The variations ascertained the association of perceived roles and experiences of HIV Counselors and posited equally vast challenges as nursing takes the core in collaboration for the care of persons living with HIV toward a dignified death.