Graduation Date

5-2017

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Nursing

Director of the Honors Program

Gigi Gokcek, PhD

First Reader

Luanne Linnard-Palmer, EdD, RN

Second Reader

Andrea Boyle, PhD, FNAP

Abstract

Pain management in the pediatric population is an intricate process and many existing factors contribute to inadequate pediatric pain management. Research suggests that the preparation for the nursing profession remains unsatisfactory in managing pain experiences for pediatric patients. Nurses are essential in assessing and relieving pain in pediatric patients. It is imperative to research what determinants of professional nursing preparation influence effective pain management for the pediatric population. Additionally, how nurses describe their educational or professional development of effective pain management including the psychological and physiological aspect of undermanaged pain need to be addressed. This study is being conducted through a mixed methods design and will follow quantitative research methodologies. Due to the contents of this research, this Honor’s senior thesis will utilize collaboration of a pilot study and a non-experimental design. The overview of the results revealed that nurses agreed they were prepared in both their educational and professional development to manage pediatric pain. Overall, nurses felt they obtained a high level of nursing knowledge and self-efficacy, but also agree that there is a continued need for more resources to support their nursing care in pediatric pain management.

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