Duties, Responsibilities, Requirements, Certifications, Job Outlook, and Salary
Registered Nurses (RNs) have the unique ability to choose what they’d like to do with their careers after they earn their license. There are several different nursing specialties to choose from, all with their own job responsibilities, work environments, and perks. Each of these specialties requires different levels of education and certification as well. Becoming a Pain Management Nurse is a great way to individualize your career as an RN. At the same time, the position ranks among the top paying nursing jobs.
Pain management nurses are directly involved with the care of patients when they need the most relief from pain or trauma. Their main responsibility is to assess patients to determine the cause and extent of their pain and then properly administer medication to relieve that pain.
(Click here to see our full list ofhighest-paying nursing jobs).
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide for anyone who’s wondering how to become a Pain Management Nurse. Continue reading to find out what you need to do to become a Pain Management Nurse, as well as what makes this career so rewarding.
Pain Management Nurse Definition
What is a Pain Management Nurse?
A Pain Management Nurse is a Registered Nurse that specializes in helping patients deal with acute and chronic pain. Patients dealing with pain must be given the proper amount of medication in order to provide relief without putting the patient in danger. Due to the increase in opioid abuse over the last decade, Pain Management Nurses are needed to ensure proper medications are being administered while avoiding the risks associated with over-dependence or addiction for their patients.
Pain Management Nurse: Job Description
What Does a Pain Management Nurse Do?
Pain Management Nurses are mainly tasked with helping patients manage their pain. They begin by assessing their patients in order to determine the cause and severity of their pain. From there, they determine which form of medication will effectively help them. Educating patients on how they should cope with their pain or discomfort is also a crucial part of the Pain Management Nurse job. This prevents patients from forming addictive habits from any narcotic pain medications they’re given. In response to the recent spike in addiction, Pain Management Nurses try to find alternative pain management techniques that don’t always require the use of narcotics.
Pain Management Nurse Jobs
Where Do Pain Management Nurses Work?
As a Pain Management Nurse, you can find employment in several different healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and physician centers.
Some of the daily responsibilities held by a Pain Management Nurse include:
- Assessing individual medical and psychosocial patient care needs
- Working with a physician to develop a plan of care
- Educating patients on treatments and recovery
- Documenting patient response to treatment
Pain Management Nurse Schooling
How Long Does It Take to Become a Pain Management Nurse?
What Degree Do You Need to be a Pain Management Nurse?
In order to become a Pain Management Nurse, you’ll need to spend 2–4 years in school earning yournursing degree(ADN or BSN). Upon graduating, there are additional requirements you must meet before you can apply for the pain management specialty certification. These include NCLEX-RN certification, work experience, and continuing education. Here are the steps you’ll need to take in order to become a Pain Management Nurse:
1) Earn your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree:
The first step in becoming a Pain Management Nurse is earning your ADN or BSN degree. An ADN can take around 18–24 months to complete. A BSN will take about 4 years unless you’ve already earned your associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). Students who’ve already earned their ADN can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program which can be completed in as little as 20 months. Many healthcare organizations prefer a BSN degree. In some cases, a BSN degree is considered a minimum requirement for employment. Keep that in mind when considering your chosen path to earning your nursing license. If you’re an RN and would like to know more about earning your BSN in as little as 20 months, click here to learn about the online RN-to-BSN program at Eagle Gate College.
2) Pass the NCLEX-RN exam:
Once you’ve earned your ADN or BSN, you’ll have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to earn your nursing license. Once you’ve passed the NCLEX, you’ll be certified as a nurse and prepared to jump into the workforce.
(Click here to read our NCLEX-RN exam study guide)
3) Earn your Pain Management Nurse Certification – The RN-BC:
To work as a pain management nurse, you’ll have to complete the Pain Management Nursing Certification (PMGT-BC) exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Passing this exam will add the initials BC to your RN title, which stands for Board Certified. This certification formally recognizes the holder’s specialized knowledge, skills, and experience. Furthermore, it qualifies them for greater responsibility and opportunities in their area of specialty. These are the eligibility requirements for the Pain Management Nursing Certification according to the ANCC:
- Hold a current, active RN license
- Have practiced the equivalent of 2 years full-time as a registered nurse
- Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in pain management nursing within the last three years
- Completed 30 hours of continuing education in pain management within the last 3 years
The exam is computer-based and is offered during a 90-day period at a location nearest to you. You’ll be given 3 hours to complete the exam which consists of 150 questions. The exam costs $295 for members of the American Nurses Association and $395 for non-members. The credential is valid for 5 years, and you can continue to use the credential by submitting a renewal application up to 1 year prior to expiration.
You can find complete information about Pain Management Nursing Certification at the ANCC website.
Pain Management Nurse Salary
How Much Do Pain Management Nurses Make?
According toIndeed.com, the average salary* earned by pain management nurses is about$114,000 per yearor about$49 per hour.
What is the Job Outlook for Pain Management Nurses?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide any specific data pertaining to the job outlook of Pain Management Nurses. However, it does project that the employment of Registered Nurses as a whole will grow by 9% through 2030. As employment grows for all Registered Nurses, RNs who specialize in pain management will most likely have a greater job outlook than those without certification.
Pain Management Nursing Career
Are you ready to start your career as a Pain Management Nurse?
Becoming a Pain Management Nurse requires commitment and patience. You’ll have to spend time working as an RN before you can apply to earn your pain management certification. However, once you’ve put the time and effort in, earning that certification will allow you to maximize your earning potential as a nurse. You’ll also find yourself having greater responsibilities at your job, which for many can be very rewarding. If you’re looking to become a Pain Management Nurse, you can start by earning your BSN degree at Provo College.
Click here to learn more about ourBSN program.
FAQs
You will need to earn a degree in nursing, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN), and receive a state license. Then you will begin work in pain management nursing. Once you have at least 2,000 hours of experience in pain management, you can apply for certification.
Is pain management a nursing skill? ›
Pain management nursing is a specialty within the nursing field where registered nurses care for patients who suffer from chronic and even debilitating pain. They are highly trained in pain management techniques to help patients find relief.
What is a pain management nurse do? ›
Pain management nurses are responsible for the care of patients with chronic or acute pain. Once they have assessed a patient's pain, they work closely with doctors and other nurses to create a treatment plan. Pain management nurses administer medications and provide pain relief through other therapeutic methods.
Is becoming an RN difficult? ›
You're headed for a great career, one that's rewarding, challenging, and always exciting. But nursing school is notoriously difficult. Most nursing programs require high GPAs and impressive scores in math, chemistry, biology, psychology, and other demanding subjects.
Can a nurse give pain meds? ›
Those with specialist training prescribed a wider range of pain medications, were more likely to prescribe strong opioids and were more often in pain management roles. Conclusion: Nurses prescribe for pain in a range of settings with an emphasis on the treatment of minor ailments and acute pain.
How do I become a CNC nurse? ›
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become a clinical nurse:
- Complete high school. ...
- Complete a Bachelor of Nursing. ...
- Become a registered nurse and gain experience. ...
- Pursue a specialisation and gain a postgraduate qualification. ...
- Apply for senior nursing roles or pursue a doctorate.
What is your strongest skill as a nurse? ›
The key to being a successful nurse is communication.
Communication skills are one of the most important requirements of a nurse's job—both following directions and communicating with patients and families. Patients who are sick or suffering often are not in a position of strength to speak up for themselves.
How do you handle a patient in pain management? ›
Simple Ways to Better Communicate with a Patient in Pain
- When entering the room of patients in pain, always tell them that you are there to help comfort them and to do your best to relieve their pain.
- Remain calm and show empathy.
- Express concerns for the patient's feelings.
- Use “I” statements.
What are the 11 components of pain assessment? ›
Faces Pain Rating Scale.
...
Technique
- Onset: Mechanism of injury or etiology of pain, if identifiable.
- Location/Distribution.
- Duration.
- Course or Temporal Pattern.
- Character & Quality of the pain.
- Aggravating/Provoking factors.
- Alleviating factors.
- Associated symptoms.
What are the 3 types of pain? ›
There are 3 widely accepted pain types relevant for musculoskeletal pain: Nociceptive pain (including nociceptive inflammatory pain) Neuropathic pain. Nociplastic pain.
Palliative care physicians are specially trained in complex pain management resulting from serious illnesses such as cancer, so they are experts in administering managing opioids and other potent pain medications. Pain management specialists usually treat pain that does not result from complex, serious illness.
What is the easiest type of RN? ›
- Nurse Educator. This is one of the least stressful nursing jobs available. ...
- School Nurse/Summer Camp Nurse. If you love children, this might be the perfect opportunity for you. ...
- Nurse Administrator. ...
- Public Health Nurse. ...
- Nurse Researcher. ...
- Nurse Informaticist. ...
- Case Management Nurse. ...
- Home Health Nurse.
What is the quickest RN program? ›
An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) are the two most common fast track options. With each of these ways to receive nursing instruction, they require passing the NCLEX licensure examination.
What is the hardest part of nursing school? ›
Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. "It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed," says Megan Lynch, instructor at Pima Community College.
Can nurses work while on narcotics? ›
Q May I take my legitimate prescription for a controlled substance and work in nursing? A That is a decision for you, your healthcare practitioner, and your employer. However, you may not work if the substance impairs your ability to function and practice in a safe manner.
Can a nurse prescribe hydrocodone? ›
For controlled substances, NPs will be required to have demonstrated safe practice for 12 months prior to application for a controlled substance certificate. If authorized by the collaborative practice agreement, APRNs can prescribe those hydrocodone combinations reclassified from Schedule III to Schedule II.
Can RN mix medications? ›
The appropriately trained and competent licensed registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) may compound or reconstitute medications for a specific patient as directed by an authorized health care practitioner with prescriptive authority.
How long is a CNC program? ›
To earn the CNC Technology Certificate, you must successfully complete five required classes totaling 160 hours of coursework.
Is it hard to get into CNC? ›
So as we've discussed, the CNC machining process can be challenging to master but it is certainly not out of your reach. You should expect it to take over 3 years of hard work to master but it can take just a few hours of easy tutorials to create basic parts.
What math is needed for CNC? ›
In CNC machining, trigonometry is used to determine tool location relative to part geometry. Trigonometry deals with the solution of triangles, primarily the right triangle. See Figure 3-17.
Reflect on your weaknesses
Spending too much time on paperwork. Paying too much attention to detail. Attempting to complete too many tasks at once. A lack of clinical experience, which may apply to recent graduates or new nurses.
What are 3 strengths of a nurse? ›
Examples of nursing strengths
- Communication.
- Empathy.
- Flexibility.
- Attention to detail.
- Endurance.
- Problem solving.
What are 3 qualities a nurse should have? ›
What Makes Someone a Good Nurse?
- Caring. ...
- Communication Skills. ...
- Empathy. ...
- Attention to Detail. ...
- Problem Solving Skills. ...
- Stamina. ...
- Sense of Humor. ...
- Commitment to Patient Advocacy.
What is the golden rule of pain management? ›
The key to pain management is to treat your patient the way you'd want to be treated.
How do you comfort client in pain? ›
Have them close their eyes, create a pleasant scene, focus on that image, and describe it aloud. Remember to be gentle with your clients and speak in a calm and soothing voice. Distraction is another good method to 'distract' the client from their pain.
How would you handle a patient who constantly complains about pain? ›
How to Handle Patient Complaints
- Listen to them. As basic as it may sound, this is your first and most important step when dealing with an unhappy patient. ...
- Acknowledge their feelings. ...
- Ask questions. ...
- Explain and take action. ...
- Conclude. ...
- Document complaints.
What are the 3 pain pathways? ›
The ascending pathways that mediate pain consist of three different tracts: the neospinothalamic tract, the paleospinothalamic tract and the archispinothalamic tract. The first-order neurons are located in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) for all three pathways.
What are the 4 pain pathways? ›
There are four major processes: transduction, transmission, modulation, and perception. Transduction refers to the processes by which tissue-damaging stimuli activate nerve endings.
What is the cries pain scale? ›
It is an acronym of five physiological and behavioural variables previously shown to be associated with neonatal pain. C--Crying; R--Requires increased oxygen administration; I--Increased vital signs; E--Expression; S--Sleeplessness. We have tested CRIES for validity and reliability.
What are the 3 types of RN? ›
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis. They are messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). rRNA forms ribosomes, which are essential in protein synthesis.
Let's take a look at some nursing specialties where nurses report being happiest.
- School Nurse. ...
- Labor and Delivery Nurse. ...
- Case Management Nurse. ...
- Nurse Educator. ...
- Parish Nurse. ...
- Travel Nurse.
Which type of nursing is best? ›
1. Certified registered nurse anesthetist. Nurse anesthetists are in one of the most well-respected fields in nursing, and it requires years of education, training, and experience to become one. These nurses provide anesthesia to patients, typically in a surgical, dental, or ER/OR scenario.
What are the 7 types of pain? ›
Types of pain
- Acute pain.
- Chronic pain.
- Neuropathic pain.
- Nociceptive pain.
- Radicular pain.
What's the difference between shooting pain and stabbing pain? ›
Sharp: When you feel a sudden, intense spike of pain, that qualifies as “sharp.” Sharp pain may also fit the descriptors cutting and shooting. Stabbing: Like sharp pain, stabbing pain occurs suddenly and intensely. However, stabbing pain may fade and reoccur many times.
Is Dilaudid stronger than morphine? ›
What is it? Prescribed at Dilaudid®, it is used as a pain reliever. Hydromorphone is 2-8x more potent than morphine but shorter duration and greater sedation.
What type of care is pain management? ›
Through a pain management plan, healthcare providers help people manage all kinds of pain. Pain management approaches include medications, injections, therapy and exercise. Your provider may recommend one approach or a combination of several.
What is the lowest nursing position? ›
As the name suggests, CNAs assist nurses with patient admittance and vitals. It is the lowest-level credential related to the nursing field and the quickest point of entry.
What type of nurse is the least stressful? ›
The 10 Least Stressful Nursing Jobs This Year (2022)
- Nurse Educators. ...
- Institutional Nurses. ...
- Research Nurses. ...
- Public Health Nurses. ...
- Occupational Health Nurses. ...
- Case Management Nurses. ...
- Home Health Nurses. ...
- Clinic Nurses.
What type of RN is most in demand? ›
BSN-prepared nurses are the most sought-after RNs in the job market and can advance to leadership and management roles more quickly than the ASN nurse.
Can I get a nursing degree online? ›
Online degrees
From January 2021, some universities are offering adult nursing courses where the theoretical content is mainly delivered online, making it easier to fit studies around home life.
If you're unfamiliar with the field, you might not know that an RN title can be earned with either an Associate's degree or a Bachelor's degree. By opting for your ADN, you could be launching your registered nursing career in as few as 18 months.
How long are most RN programs? ›
Depending on the specific nursing program that you enroll in, it could take anywhere from 16 months to four years to become a registered nurse. “I chose to earn my BSN, which takes four years,” says ChiChi Akanegbu, who completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Regis College as a part of the Class of 2020.
Why is becoming a RN so hard? ›
The main reason why nursing school is challenging is because it involves learning about complicated nursing concepts and practical skills, then applying that information into diverse patient care scenarios — going well beyond memorizing facts. While it is challenging, nursing school is not impossible.
How many hours should a nursing student study? ›
Everyone is different, but in general, it is recommended that nursing school students study anywhere from 2-4 hours a day.
What happens if I fail the TEAS test? ›
A student must show documented remediation after failing the test (anywhere) or wait at least one year before attempting the test again. If you do not pass the re-test, you must wait at least 365 days before taking the test for a third attempt.
How long does it take to become a chemo nurse? ›
Once you pass the exam, you can successfully apply for jobs as a registered nurse and explore positions in the oncology field. Becoming an RN can take anywhere from 2-5 years depending on your prior education and the degree path you choose.
What qualifications do you need to be a chemo nurse? ›
To specialise in cancer nursing, you will need to complete a postgraduate course or degree in oncology nursing. Alternatively, you can undertake a period of supervised clinical practice, which will allow you to gain the necessary experience and skills.
How do I become a pain nurse UK? ›
Qualification: Working towards or completion of Professional Doctorate/Doctor of Philosophy. Masters level award in either pain management, advanced practice or equivalent topic. Level 6/7 or level 9/10 in Scotland. Pain management module or related topic, i.e. palliative care/symptom management.
What is a CNC nurse? ›
AGED CARE. Aged Care CNC. The CNC provides consultancy for patients with behavioural disturbances related to dementia (BPSD) and/ or delirium, with a focus on non-pharmacological interventions. The CNC provides education and support to patients/ carers/ families regarding dementia and/ or delirium.
What kind of nurses get paid the most? ›
Highest Paid Nursing Jobs:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – $202,000.
- Nursing Administrator – $120,000.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse – $120,000.
- General Nurse Practitioner – $118,000.
- Critical Care Nurse – $118,000.
- Certified Nurse Midwife – $114,000.
- Informatics Nurse – $102,000.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist – $95,000.
It requires a special breed of nurses. If you're an oncology nurse, you're tough. … to persevere through exhausting and often emotional shifts. While being an oncology nurse can be incredibly taxing, it is one of the most rewarding jobs for nurses.
Can RNs give chemotherapy? ›
It says, "RNs are the professional nurses responsible for all aspects of administering and monitoring systemic cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
What are chemo nurses called? ›
An Oncology Nurse works with patients who have, or who are at risk of getting, cancer.
How long is chemo training? ›
Data to date indicates that most learners are completing the course is approximately 15 hours.
Can you give chemo without being certified? ›
It is the position of the ONS that all chemotherapy and biotherapy providers earn the society's Chemotherapy Provider Card, however, it is not necessary to practice or deliver treatments.
Can you train to be a nurse and get paid? ›
The new nursing apprenticeship is designed to give more people the opportunity to become a nurse. Here are some of the benefits: You don't pay tuition fees or training fees as the apprenticeship costs are covered by the employer. You'll earn while you learn on the job and gain valuable experience of life on the ward.
How long does it take to become a nurse NMC? ›
Can you work remote as a nurse? ›
Remote nurses provide telephone support, advice, and follow-up services to patients, and they can also work in case management and recruiting. Remote nurses help make it easier for elderly and immunocompromised patients, as well as patients living in rural areas far from healthcare facilities, to access care.
What is a rogue nurse? ›
An overview of rogue behavior by nurses is presented: drug diversion, posing as a nurse without a license sexual predator behavior and murdering patients. Several vignettes are given. Suggestions on how to recognize these behaviors and prevent these situations from happening follow.
What is a ladder nurse? ›
The clinical ladder is a structured system to provide nurses' career advancement while remaining in their current clinical setting, providing direct patient care. It is used to recognize professional development and differentiate between different levels of nursing care and expertise.
A perioperative nurse is a registered nurse (R.N.) who works in the operating room. Sometimes called a surgical or an operating room nurse, this specialized nurse cares for patients before, during, and after surgery.