AIDS Education Requirement for WA License

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

Looking over the WA state application for licensure, I noticed they require some AIDS education.

The application states "AIDS affidavit must be initialed and dated. AIDS training may include self-study, direct patient care, courses, orformal training.

The affidavit states "I understand I must maintain records documenting education for two(2) years and be prepared to submit those records to the department if requested.

Now, I've had some training in college courses and experience dealing with patients who are HIV positive. A good friend of mine has been HIV positive since 1997 and it's been a topic of interest of mine that I've researched many times and I like to keep up to date on new treatments. I was involved in his care while he underwent a clinical drug trial for two drugs that weren't yet on the market. I feel that I have an understanding of HIV/AIDS that is pretty in depth, but I just don't have documentation to prove it...

So, unless anyone has any words of wisdom for me, I guess I'll have to pay for some 7 hour course to prove that I know what I already know? Any tips on which internet providers provide the best training for your money?

[Debra ACRN]

My understanding is the maintaining of AIDS education can be written down by yourself. Just document your experience as you did with us. I believe that most schools of nursing cover the content necessary for licensure.

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

They offer the courses online at a variety of agencies.. (through a LINK on the WA state's webpage..sorry don't have it hand) where I did the training and it was only $40.. I did the 4 hours course - but the 7 hour course was about the same cost.. it was essentially XX pages of information.. then an online test... and they mailed a certificate when completed.

[dani_girl]

Talk to your school.. I went to school in PA and we didn't have a "HIV course" but it was mixed in in other classes.. they highlighted that in the syllabus for me, and it was accepted.. or if you have your syllabuses you can do it.

[pnwmurse]

I finished that "course" from a local community college. It was the seven hour course, and cost less than $60 (if my memory serves me right). I came with a bit of background and experience with HIV (and it sounds like you have plenty), and I don't think I even really looked at the materials. I just filled in the test and turned it in and got my certificate. Really, it's no biggie at all. Inconvenient at worst.

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

Dani_girl, the WA state requires an additional HIV certificate of 7 hour training for health care workers. So if a person's school conducted the training they could fill out the certificate but would have to prove they had the 7 hours if requested by employer.

I did mine online.. a 4hour version... and later my CNA course included the 7 hour training - both provided a certificate signed by the teaching authority showing we did the training and passed a test.

[dani_girl]

Just_Cause.. good point.. our syllabus breaks down things by hours, which is why it worked for me..

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

Lucky for me the hospital I applied to had the materials and let me use them for a $35 fee and I now have my 7 hour certificate. Saves me time trying to track down old coursework and syllabi from nursing school :)

Looks like I'm WA bound in January!