Occupational exposure of health care workers (HCWs) to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): stress reactions and counseling interventions.

As more people become infected with HIV, Health Care Workers (HCWs) have a greater likelihood of being exposed at work. HIV exposure threatens the life of the HCW and can elicit a stress reaction. Although HCWs have reactions similar to those of people who have been exposed to other traumatic events, the nature of this stressor and the length of time it lasts is unique. This article presents counseling interventions that address the needs of the individual HCW during this event. These counseling guidelines promote the HCW's discussion of the event and any relevant past unresolved traumatic experiences; evaluate and aid the worker and his or her support system; provide information on stress reactions and HIV; examine the HCW's practice methods; and helps to reintegrate the HCW back into the work environment.