OBJECTIVE: To analyze the interfaces among knowledge, vulnerability and empowerment present in memories and social representations regarding nursing care for people who live with HIV/Aids. METHODS: This was a qualitative research conducted with thirty nurses from a public hospital. The theoretical reference used was the processual approach of the Theory of Social Representations. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed and submitted to thematic content analysis, using the software NVivo 9.0. RESULTS: Vulnerability was expressed in the fear derived from feeling unprepared, professional insecurity and the lack of scientific information. Empowerment was personified in the search for scientific knowledge, in the acceptance of the nature of the work, and the time in professional practice. CONCLUSION: Data indicated a complex set of interfaces and a process of naturalization of AIDS, conducted by nurses to adapt their practices to the historical transformations inherent to the syndrome.
Health vulnerability; Nursing care; Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, Education, nursing, continuing; Health care
