Foundations of Pain Management – NURS 518
CG • Section 8WK • 07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 07/27/2021
Course Description
Effective pain management for clients suffering from acute or chronic pain is imperative for promoting optimal plans of care. Students examine key theories and evidence-based literature supporting pain science while applying knowledge from foundational documents related to pain management. Through pain theory analysis, discussion, and other courses assignments, students will examine common biases and misconceptions surrounding pain management and review pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options for effective management of pain.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
Pain science has been in the literature for decades. Intentional adherence to pain science has become more pronounced as healthcare standards have been established to foster excellence in pain management. Foundational documents supporting nursing practice are in place. The advent of the current opioid crisis has placed more of an emphasis on developing the art and science of pain management within the profession of nursing. This course will provide an opportunity for nurses in all areas of practice to establish a strong foundation on which to build expertise in pain management.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and lecture presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (4)
The student will complete 4 Discussions in this course. The student will post one thread of at least 500 words for each Discussion. The student must then post two replies of at least 250 words. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least two scholarly citations in APA format. Each reply must incorporate at least two scholarly citations in APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include peer reviewed journals, the textbook, foundational documents, professional practice standards, the Bible, etc.
Managing Biases Paper Assignment
Thus far there have been opportunities to identify and discuss theories supporting pain management as well as reflecting on personal knowledge and attitude related to pain management. The reading supports the importance of recognizing and managing biases as patient care is provided. The student will have the opportunity to reflect on personal biases and attitudes as well as applying the biblical world view in pain situations where bias management may be a challenge. It is an opportunity to reflect on the competencies we hold as well as identifying ones that need further development.
Documents Supporting Quality and Safety Paper Assignment
The profession of nursing has many foundational documents that provide recommendations and standards for supporting effective pain management. It is important to identify if and how standards and recommendations are operationalized, adhered to, and measured for outcomes. The assignment provides the student the opportunity to investigate foundational documents with standards and recommendations for pain management. Practice settings will be evaluated as to the depth of pain science integrated into practice.
Examining the Opioid Crisis Paper Assignment
The opioid crisis has been in the news frequently over the past few years. There is a great deal to know about the opioid crisis. The current crisis is the third in history and the current crisis has been in existence since 1996. To be effective in pain management, it is essential the background of the crisis is explored. This assignment will provide the opportunity to start reviewing the current crisis, possible reasons for the crisis, suggestions how to manage the crisis, and support patients who are in acute and chronic pain through the crisis. The nurse is in the perfect position to assess, coordinate, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of opioid, non-opioid, and non-pharmacological interventions.
After completing the assigned reading in the textbook, the student will secure five peer-reviewed articles, published within the last 3-5 years, regarding the opioid crisis.
Exploring Non-pharmacologic Interventions Paper Assignment
The Joint Commission has established the standard for having every patient’s pain plan include at least one non-pharmacologic intervention. The amount of opioid use can be reduced by the use of non-opioid medication and non-pharmacologic approaches. There is a great deal in the current literature providing evidence for non-pharmacologic modalities. This assignment will emphasize the use of non-pharmacologic techniques to integrate into the patient’s plan of care.
