The influence of the AIDS epidemic on the master's-prepared oncology nurse.

More than 139,000 cases of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control. Many of these individuals will develop malignancies, such as Kaposi's sarcoma and malignant lymphoma. Because of the neoplastic complications of AIDS and the terminal nature of this disease, some centers employ oncology clinical nurse specialists to coordinate the care of patients. This study was designed to determine the extent to which master's-prepared oncology nurses care for patients with AIDS in the United States, the type of care these nurses provide, their sources of AIDS-related information, and the risks they perceive in caring for patients with AIDS. This information will guide educators to develop graduate curricula and continuing education programs that include useful information on the care of patients with AIDS. These results will also direct administrators to consider extra stressors imposed on the master's-prepared oncology nurse who also cares for those with AIDS.