ABSTRACT
John's journey and struggle with the impact of his own HIV status was reopened by Robert's situation. In the ensuing hours, John sought support from his supervisor and co-workers at their weekly unit meeting and later at their staff support group. Because John had previously revealed his status to his supervisor, their individual supervisory time was utilized in helping John differentiate his own fears and anxieties from those of Robert. In this way, John could face his anticipated grief and mourning for Robert. This catharsis and processing allowed John to be with Robert and Robert's family in a professionally caring way that did not merge or confuse John's issues and boundaries with the patient's.
