Richard Gettings, RN, ACRN (he/him/his)

Retired FQHC Director, Consultant to HAB/HRSA Ryan White Clinical Assessments

President, HANCB

Years as an ANAC member: 30

Local ANAC chapter: Previously Fort Lauderdale and Cheseapeake

ANAC committee(s): Previously nominations and rural

What does Certified Nurses Day mean to you?

I feel it's important to celebrate excellence as an individual and as a group. Certification is that mark of excellence that elevates the HIV specialist nurse to a position that shows other nurses and patients that this nurse is someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to HIV Care and Treatment. The Administration of a hospital or clinic can look at the certification of their employees and know that there are front line employees who excel at HIV care and treatment. Fellow nurses know that the HIV certified nurse can act as a resource for staff and patients—this is not to say certified nurses know everything, rather that they are familiar with resources available to get the necessary answers. Nurses are trusted by patients and certification in HIV care lets patients know that here is someone who can and will take care of me in the best possible way. Certification for the individual is similar to winning a medal in sports—you have proven that you are among the best available HIV nurses. I am proud to be a certified HIV Nurse and am proud to be associated with ANAC and the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board (HANCB).

Why did you join the fight to end HIV/AIDS?

I lost many friends in Fort Lauderdale during the late 1980s. I wanted to help and the best way to do so would be to become a nurse to help those living and dying with HIV make their journey with dignity, best possible care and especially NOT alone.

What does ANAC mean to you? 

ANAC is a great group of nurses who have journeyed through an often hostile health care system to provide compassionate care to our fellow human beings that are living with HIV.

What is something you learned in the last month? 

I have learned in the last month that no matter how the government changes things regarding HIV care and treatment, that nurses will continue to do what is right. Despite language approved by the powers that are in control, we have not forgotten our mission to serve those that are less fortunate or marginalized by the general population.