NURSES' PERCEPTIONS OF SUPPORT IN CARING FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS (PLWHA) IN VHEMBE DISTRICT, LIMPOPO PROVINCE

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe experiences of nurses regarding social support in caring for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province. A qualitative research design which was exploratory, descriptive and contextual was used, with a purposive and theoretical sample of nurses who provided care in a regional hospital in Vhembe district of Limpopo Province. Data saturation occurred after indepth interviews with fifteen participants, field notes were also used during data collection. The findings revealed that nurses caring for PLWHA experienced lack of social support from colleagues and managers and needed to be assisted to cope with care. Recommendations that are described focused on supporting nurses to cope in caring through provision of work-based support programmes.