Job Responsibilities:
Complete daily rounds independently and/or with the Acute Pain Service Team members.
Participate in the identification and treatment management of patients with complex pain problems.
Knowledge of treatment modalities including PCA, Epidural, peripheral nerve block, intrathecal, infusions, including non-pharmacologic therapies.
Utilize the nursing process and assessment strategies to determine patient comfort levels.
Provide expert care of the patient in pain across the continuum of care in a collaborative manner to promote continuity of care.
Provide direct patient assessments and document plans, and evaluation of care. Work collaboratively with other health team members to provide continuity of patient and family care.
Treat inadequate analgesia and complications associated with pain, utilizing assessments, protocols, and standard orders.
Reevaluate patients' responses and progress with treatment and interventions.
Consult and closely work with the Anesthesiologist regarding any required changes in the pain management modalities.
Provide education to nursing staff throughout the health system, on pain management therapy. Including active participation in the Central Nurse Orientation, pain management, epidural/PCA management classes.
Provide support to patients/families through utilization of both verbal and nonverbal communication techniques appropriate for age and physical condition.
Recognize potential risk management issues and takes appropriate actions.
Acts as a resource for Primary Service and bedside practitioners' questions concerning APS. Provide pertinent pain information to patients/families utilizing various approaches and resources available within the hospital to meet educational needs.
Serves as a resource for nursing staff, providers, and patients by sharing skills and knowledge related to pain management and assessment. Serves as a resource and role model for nursing staff, providers, and patients by implementing a variety of approaches to meet pain management needs.
Participate in collection of data to support consults and initiation of pain therapies.
Participate in continuous quality improvement endeavors by involvement in teams as appropriate and by supporting changes recommended through the continuous quality improvement process.
Expectations of the position:
Knowledge of pain physiology
Excellent communication and collaboration skills with multi-disciplinary teams