This is the last in short series of posts this month looking at the contributions provided by teams and team members working across the province to achieve the goals of the STOP HIV/AIDS¨ program. Based on the concept of Treatment as Prevention¨, pioneered by BC-CfE Director Dr. Julio Montaner, the STOP HIV/AIDS¨ program has been implemented in BC with support from the provincial government.
The Fraser Health STOP HIV/AIDS¨ (Seek and Treat for Optimal Prevention) team is dedicated to the prevention, testing, treatment and provision of support services for all sexually transmitted and blood borne infections, including HIV. The Fraser Health Authority serves 1.8 million people living in communities stretching from Burnaby to White Rock to Hope. A group of outreach nurses shared about their experiences working as part of the STOP team.
“I feel I have the best nursing job possible as a STOP nurse. I’m able to connect on a genuine level with society’s most vulnerable individuals. I’m meeting them exactly where they are, mentally, physically and emotionally.” – Krista
“From my point of view, I would say, because of our efforts, clients know nurses are there to help them whenever they decide to engage in care. I would say that after engagement with a client occurs, which can vary based on the client’s needs, clients are likely to remain in care.” – Parm
“I tell my clients, ‘You are worth saving from AIDS’.” – Jenn
“Meeting and connecting people with the services they need can be difficult at times, but is very rewarding.” – Sheila
“Our impact on clients is varied. For some clients, we are able to meet them where they are and are able to assist them in overcoming certain barriers to help them re-engage into care. For others, it is more challenging. They can be entrenched in self-destructive habits, unable or not ready to focus on their health, or they do not deem it a priority. For those clients, we attempt to stay connected to them, to be there at the instance they become ready to make a positive change. Our work is varied and complex but there are definitely successes along the way.” – Raman
“STOP team nursing provides opportunities for both the client and the health care provider to access inner strength and resourcefulness. Every day is unique, challenging and rewarding. For me as health care provider, a work day can entail assisting people with navigating and accessing their care. I really value the therapeutic relationships with both clients and community partners. The challenge is to engage the client with concurrent disorders to access health care services in a timely manner. I am very passionate about my work.” – Gisele
“As a STOP nurse, I am able to offer client-centred care. I support individuals living with HIV to access the care they need and want.” – Harj