Would u consider working at an AIDS/HIV facilityas a new graduate?

well, do you have an interest in working with AIDS/HIV patients? if not, then don't bother. work where you have an interest.
if you have an interest, then go for it. if you are careful, practice standard precautions, etc you wouldnt have to worry about contracting anything,even if there were needles.
and, even if you worked in the hospital, any of the pt's could have HIV and you wouldn't know it. so whats the difference?
love, rose

Sounds nice and it probably would look good on a resume. Where is the hospital? That would be my only concern (if the cost of living is crazy or something).

Well I can say that from working on a Medical unit for the last 6 mos that has a really high risk population ( AIDS/HIV, HepC/HepB, VRE) that you adapt to what the situation calls for. I learned very quickly to put on gloves as soon as I walked into a room. As for the psyche part, I think any pt. has the possiblility to become a psyche pt and do something crazy.. . but if you are concerned, ASK about how often they have a situation like that. They should tell you and if it does happen they should train you in restraints also. Explain to me the needless facility? Do they not give medical tx? Or is there no IV's, just all pills? Never heard of that before. Sounds neat. Good luck, and go with your heart.

Is it a long term place or hospital? I worked in a long term facility for people with HIV/AIDS, I think it would give you great experience. You will learn a lot. I don't think it would be much different than starting in any medical unit- you know thats what everyone says- to get that experience first.

i work at a psyche ltc and we have several hiv.aids pts...really big problem i have is tha they are sexually active and many of the other residents are not hiv+ .. with HIPPA reg you cannot talk to other residents though i know of a nurse who did...but it was after the two residents were involved so may have too late to prevent cross infection...as for the OP question...i have no problems working with these people..someone has to give them care .. if you are in the health care field you will deal with this and MRSA and anything else that will come in the future...maybe worse than anything we have seen...you don't know what the terrorists have or what will naturally mutate...practice good hyigene and protect yourself and your other patients

I have worked in HIV/AIDS for about four years now. I find it to be challenging and very rewarding. I am in research so it has been interesting to see the new advances being made in this area. I do draw blood, and for some reason, don't really sweat it. I have never been stuck. One friend of mind has been stuck on 2 separate ocaissons but came out fine.

I think the place sounds great. My clinic is located in a "county hospital" that sees everyone and mostly urban clients who became infected through drug abuse and prostitution. The GWM (gay white men) who have insurance mostly go elsewhere. I take care of both pediatric and adult patients. The biggest growing challenge is the kids who were perinatally-infected and are now growing up to be teens (never thought possible when they were born) and teaching them the importance of not spreading their disease. We have one girl who is screwing everyone and anyone and not using protection no matter how much we educate and no matter how many comdoms she is given. It can be tough! It's tough to see 23 year olds who refuse to take their meds and end up dying, leaving behind a kid or two. There are silver linings, but it can be sad sometimes.