Interviews with home health aides caring for people with AIDS.

Through a phenomenological perspective, this study describes the experiences of home health aides caring for people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Six home health aides were asked the question, "What is it like to be a home health aide caring for persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome?" The essential meanings uncovered from this study were empathy, being there, self-reflection, support and communication, and coping. This research study about home health aides caring for persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome will help nursing develop additional programs to educate and support the home health aide in this experience.