Diane Clements-Walton, RN, MS, CNS, CCNC
Nurse Educator and Consultant
Why did you decide to pursue a career in HIV care and research?
I worked with my first patient with HIV in 1989 in labor and delivery. I had never had an HIV positive patient and thought it was interesting. Most providers at my hospital were very cautious at the time - wearing moon-suits, masks, shoe covers and gloves with their faces nearly covered. When I walked into the patient’s room uncovered she looked at me and said, “This is the first face I have seen in days.” I promised to give her the same standard care that I gave other patients.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the numerous publications and presentations I’ve worked on focusing on the impact of faith-based diversity, cultural competency and HIV/AIDS among communities of color and other at-risk populations, as well as the impact of health disparities and lack of resources. Now, I serve women and children’s health needs as a nurse consultant within daycare centers. I also work as a health educator with faith-based churches and schools.
What do you enjoy most about being an ANAC member?
I enjoy the fellowship, comradery, networking and learning about new HIV treatments and research. I am proud to be one of the founders and past presidents of ANAC’s
diversity committee, as well as past president and a current member of the board of directors of ANAC’s Chicago chapter. I have only missed two conferences since I joined in 1994. I was privileged to receive the
Lifetime Achievement Award during the ANAC2020 Virtual Conference.
Anything else you would like your fellow ANAC members to know about you?
I miss everyone! I cannot wait to get together. Hopefully, at that time we can say we made a huge dent in the prevention of new HIV cases .
