Individuals with varying levels of pain are cared for a pain management nurse. The nurse may be assigned to work with people who have been admitted to the hospital, or he or she may provide outpatient care. A person must enroll in and complete an accredited nursing program in order to work as a pain management nurse. He or she will also need to obtain a nursing license in order to practice nursing. For this position, different regions have different requirements.
A pain management nurse’s responsibilities are varied. In a hospital setting, a nurse’s days are typically spent assessing and treating pain in patients. The nurse may have a list of standard questions to ask the patient in order to assess pain. A numbered scale is used in many medical facilities to determine the severity of pain. The nurse may also conduct a physical examination to assess the patient’s sensitivity.
Pain medications will also be administered nurses. Although doctors usually prescribe the medications, the nurse is usually the one who administers them. He or she will receive advanced pharmacology training as a pain management nurse. As a result, the nurse will be knowledgeable about a wide range of medications. Most nurses will also be expected to have a thorough understanding of the patient’s medical records. This typically includes a review of previous medications, current medications, and any allergic reactions caused any of the above.
After the medication is given, a pain management nurse will be in charge of keeping track of the patient’s pain. Typically, the nurse will check in on the patient at various intervals to look for any allergic reactions and to take vital signs to see if the medication has changed the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, or oxygen level. The nurse may ask the patient more questions to see if the medicine is helping to relieve the pain. This type of nurse is trained to provide additional pain relief measures if the pain persists after being medicated. With the doctor’s approval, this could include increasing the dosage of medicine or trying a different medication.
A pain management nurse will provide patient education in an outpatient setting, instructing the patient on how to safely use medications at home. Patients who have recently had surgery or who have chronic illnesses may benefit from outpatient care from this type of nurse. In addition to teaching the patient about his or her medicine and how to take it properly, the nurse may also discuss the drug’s effectiveness. A nurse who specializes in pain medication might work in a hospital, nursing home, outpatient clinic, or as a freelancer.