HIV/AIDS Essentials for Nurses

About this course

Current HIV care looks nothing like it did twenty years ago. This course covers testing guidance, antiretroviral basics, U=U messaging, PrEP and PEP, and the communication that keeps patients engaged in care.

Learning objectives

• Explain HIV transmission risk and prevention accurately.
• Describe current testing recommendations and window periods.
• Summarize antiretroviral therapy goals and adherence support.
• Counsel on PrEP, PEP and undetectable viral load.

Course outline

12 sections · finish in any order across devices

1. 1

   HIV epidemiology today

   Who is affected and where gaps remain.

   10 min

2. 2

   Virology and immune impact

   How HIV progresses without treatment.

   17 min

3. 3

   Transmission and risk

   Real risk levels and myth correction.

   24 min

4. 4

   Testing recommendations

   Screening cadence, window periods, rapid tests.

   16 min

5. 5

   Diagnosis and linkage to care

   First 30 days after a positive result.

   23 min

6. 6

   Antiretroviral therapy

   Regimen classes and adherence support.

   15 min

7. 7

   Undetectable equals untransmittable

   Counseling with confidence.

   22 min

8. 8

   PrEP and PEP

   Candidate selection and monitoring.

   14 min

9. 9

   Opportunistic infections

   Prophylaxis and recognition.

   21 min

10. 10

    Stigma and confidentiality

    Language that keeps patients in care.

    13 min

11. 11

    Occupational exposure

    Post-exposure protocol steps.

    20 min

12. 12

    Case review

    Three patient journeys and post-test prep.

    12 min

This course satisfies

• Florida one-time HIV/AIDS requirement

Requirement summaries come from our state requirement records. Always confirm details with your board before you renew.

References and resources

• CDC HIV testing and PrEP guidance (placeholder citation)

Update history

• v4.1 · May 22, 2026 · Updated PrEP options and counseling language.