Community health nurses (CHNs) provide direct nursing care to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) clients in their homes and in community settings such as clinics, long-term care facilities, and hospice facilities. Direct-care needs are exemplified in the case management of the client in the community. The case management of the AIDS client in the community can include direct care to prevent and control infections, to maintain nutrition and fluid status, to manage pain, to manage alterations in bowel and bladder elimination, to treat circulatory impairment, to treat the consequences of decreased activity and immobility, and to provide psychosocial and bereavement support and counseling. In addition, CHNs provide indirect care to clients and their families through such services as education, referral, and counseling. As part of case management, they provide education on the disease; financial, housing, and health resources; and referral to community AIDS services, centers, and support groups. CHNs are involved in AIDS prevention through public health education, counseling the public about sexual practices, counseling persons who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, and AIDS-related complex (ARC), and making referrals to community resources for education, testing, and support. Prevention and education activities take place in health settings, social settings, and occupational or work settings.
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