The knowledge and attitudes of experience oncology nurses regarding the management of cancer-related pain.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe the knowledge and attitudes of North Carolina nurses toward the management of cancer-related pain. The analysis focused on knowledge, attitude, and perception of barriers to pain management.

DESIGN

Exploratory, descriptive.

SETTING

North Carolina.

SAMPLE

A survey of 1,400 RNs were stratified by educational background and Area Health Education Center regions of the state; the response rate was 24%.

METHODS

An adapted version of The Wisconsin Pain Initiative Survey mailed to participants.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and perception of perceived barriers to managing cancer-related pain.

FINDINGS

Nurses who have cared for patients with cancer are more knowledgeable and have more liberal attitudes toward pain management from nurses who have not cared for patients with cancer. North Carolina nurses report knowledge and perception of barriers to pain management similar to those of Wisconsin nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

The experience of caring for patients who have cancer and pain influences nurses to report more liberal attitudes toward pain management.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Although nurses report increased knowledge of pain management in general, deficits continue to exist. Further research is needed to more fully understand the effect of educational and experience on practice.