Conceptual Model: psychosocial implications of caring for people living with HIV among nurses

Abstract

Nursing is an occupation that is subjected to a high degree of stress. Stress had been seen as a predictor of the nature of care provided by nurses caring for people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (PLWH). The purpose was to develop a conceptual model for establishment of Nurse-Environment-Patient Relationship in hospital setting. A descriptive, cross-sectional paper was conducted. The Maslach Burnout (MBI) and Beck's Depression Inventories (BDI), and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) impact scale was used to assess the impact of caring for PLWH among nurses. The paper adopted the assumptions of cognitivism and cognitive appraisal theory. Majority of nurses reported to suffer grief and loss and identification with their patients. A moderate to high level of burnout was marked. A conceptual model of psychosocial impact of caring for PLWH is a comprehensive model that projects the impact of caring for PLWH among nurses and a link between nurses, their working environment and patients. Quality of care provided to patients is purely determined by the psychosocial state of nurses and the level of environmental stressors. Maintaining a conducive working environment and caring for caregivers is imperative in the provision of quality care.