I was going to hi-jack someone elses thread (on their encountering lack of education at work) but decided this was "worthy" of its own thread, then again, it could just be my own wandering thoughts on the subject.
I remember exactly where and when I first heard of AIDS. I was living in So. Florida, it was just after my middle child was born-the summer of 1983.
I started school the fall of 1986 and graduated with my RN in December 1990.
Does anyone else remember when nobody wanted to take the HIV+/AIDS patient on the unit?
I remember nurses being outraged when the rules came out that HIV status/AIDS dx couldn't be documented in the chart only their presenting complaint (PCP, KS).
I remember people thinking I was "crazy" because I volunteered to take them.
My ex-husband "forbid" me to take care of them (he was an experienced NAC & an LPN student at the time) because he didn't want me to "bring it home".
You know who else I admire more than Magic Johnson? Anyone remember Ryan White? The boy hemophiliac who suffered and died of AIDS---- but NOT before putting yet another HUMAN AND *INNOCENT* face on the epidemic? How brave was THAT to come out and tell the truth and try to educate a public still frenzied and afraid, a public still stigmatizing the disease? If you forgot about him here is a reminder:
WHAT A BRAVE, amazing human being. A boy who only wanted to live a normal life ----(such as go to school, imagine!)---- but was thrust into a world not of HIS making. Yet he made the best of it and he paved a way for others to legally pursue their rights such as BASIC EDUCATION and public services (which he was denied when his status was revealed). He and his family were threatened with their very LIVES during his struggles.
HE made people realize the disease was not a "gay issue" or one of "evil undertaking", but it was a disease that did NOT discriminate based on sexual preferences, social status, race/color, or other such categories on which we base so many of our prejudices. If you forgot who he is or want to be inspired to believe in our youth and future, please read his bio. I got teary just doing that today.
So true, Deb !!! I had forgotten until you just now reminded me.
I remember following that story and what an impact it made.
jnette, ASN, EMT-I
4,388 Posts
So true, Deb !!! I had forgotten until you just now reminded me.
I remember following that story and what an impact it made.
Thank you.