Enrolled nurses' experiences of caring for patients living with HIV in a South African rural hospital.

BACKGROUND: Most public hospitals in African countries are overpopulated with patients suffering from conditions related to HIV and AIDS. These patients increase the burden on healthcare providers, among which are enrolled nurses.

AIM: To explore enrolled nurses' experiences of caring for patients living with HIV and AIDS at a public rural community hospital in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province, South Africa.

DESIGN: The study was underpinned by the interpretative phenomenological design.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 11 purposively selected enrolled nurses who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. The sample size was based on data saturation.

METHOD: Data were collected through semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews guided by an interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded; and field notes were also taken. Data were analysed thematically following a framework for interpretative phenomenological analysis.

RESULTS: The study revealed that enrolled nurses are working without adequate resources. They also experience minimal support despite the negative circumstances they are exposed to in the process of caring for patients admitted with HIV-related illnesses.

CONCLUSIONS: A lack of resources, limited support and inadequate skills have a negative impact on the health care that enrolled nurses provide to patients admitted in hospital with HIV-related ailments. Researchers recommend the importance of supporting and equipping enrolled nurses to provide quality care to patients living with HIV.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: The findings have highlighted the challenges faced by enrolled nurses while caring for patients with HIV. The identified gaps will assist the Department of Health in developing policies to enhance the support offered to enrolled nurses and improve the care provided to patients with HIV-related conditions that are admitted to rural hospitals.