Abstract
Background: Although previous studies focusing on nurses’ perceptions of caring for people living with HIV (PLHIV) have been done in numerous countries, little is known about first-year student nurses’ perceptions and experiences regarding their role in caring for PLHIV in South Africa. To ensure quality care for PLHIV, it is essential to explore first-year student nurses’ roles in caring for PLHIV.Purpose: The study aimed to describe and explore the perceptions and experiences of first-year nursing students on their role in caring for PLHIV in South Africa.Methods: A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed in this study and a purposive sampling method was used to recruit 18 participants. Data were gathered using two focus group discussions, one consisting of eight participants and the other ten participants. The collected data was analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Four main themes were drawn from two focus group discussions, including (1) students’ unpreparedness in their role to care for PLHIV, (2) disclosure practices and student safety concerns, (3) personal backgrounds and attitudes towards PLHIV care, and (4) physical and psychological wellbeing of students while caring for PLHIV. Furthermore, thirteen (13) sub-themes were subsequently drawn from these main themes. Thematic sub-themes and individual focus group responses were relied on to reach data saturation despite the small number of focus group discussion sessions.Conclusion: First-year nursing students had negative and positive perceptions and experiences when caring for PLHIV. There is a need for these students to acquire adequate theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enhance clinical preparation for their role in clinical facilities. This could improve their perceptions regarding caring for PLHIV in the clinical setting and result in improved care.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
