The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge of AIDS and related factors among nurses at a medical center. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire, that was made available to 615 anonymous, voluntary nurses from one medical center in Taiwan. They scored highest scores on questions regarding the routes of transmission of HIV (84.5%), whereas they scored lowest scores on questions regarding the clinical manifestation of AIDS/HIV. Although it has been shown that continuing education is important to the nurses, our study showed that improvement in the knowledge of universal precautions was needed in this group. Workshops and training programs should focus on the practice of universal precautions, on a comprehensive knowledge of protean manifestations of AIDS, and on increasing the willingness of nurses to care for patients with AIDS. Every measure should be taken to encourage nurses to appreciate the care required for patients with AIDS.