Job Title: Pain Nurse RN
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Bethesda, MD
Salary: $65,000 - $80,000/Yr.
SUMMARY
The Pain Nurse plays a critical role in providing specialized, comprehensive care to patients experiencing both acute and chronic pain at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). This role involves administering various pain relief treatments, closely monitoring patient outcomes, and coordinating care with the interdisciplinary pain management team. The Pain Nurse actively educates patients and their families on pain management techniques, ensuring they understand their treatment plans, potential side effects, and recovery strategies. Additionally, the Pain Nurse oversees follow-up care, adjusting treatments as needed based on patient progress. The role also involves participating in the development and implementation of clinical pain protocols to align with best practices and regulatory standards, contributing to the continual improvement of patient care in a multidisciplinary healthcare setting.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Comprehensive Pain Assessment and Management: Evaluate and manage patients with varying levels of acute and chronic pain. The Pain Nurse is responsible for assessing patient conditions and collaborating with the care team to implement individualized treatment plans that align with best practices.
- Administration of Medications and Pain Management Protocols: Administer pain medications, including opioids, NSAIDs, and other adjunct therapies, following established protocols. This includes preparing patients for procedures, managing perioperative care, and monitoring post-procedure recovery.
- Patient and Family Education: Provide education to patients and their families on pain management strategies, medication use, potential side effects, and post-treatment care. Ensure that patients are well-informed about self-care and recovery plans to promote better health outcomes.
- Interdisciplinary Team Participation: Actively participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, collaborating with physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and review comprehensive pain management plans. The Pain Nurse provides input on patient progress, treatment effectiveness, and necessary adjustments to ensure optimal care.
- Infection Control and Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to infection control protocols and safety guidelines during all nursing activities, especially those involving invasive procedures or medication administration.
- Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and thorough records of patient care, including assessments, medications administered, and treatment responses. Proper documentation is essential for compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
- Quality Improvement and Best Practices: Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing pain management protocols and overall patient care. Contribute to the development and refinement of clinical practices.
- Patient Advocacy: Serve as an advocate for patients, ensuring their pain is effectively managed and that their needs are met. Address any concerns raised by patients or their families regarding pain management strategies.
- Collaboration in Research and Training: When applicable, participate in clinical research projects related to pain management. Additionally, provide mentorship and training to nursing staff or students on best practices in pain care, medication safety, and patient education.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Expertise in pain management protocols, including medication administration and patient care in acute and chronic pain settings.
- Strong communication skills to effectively educate patients, families, and staff on pain management techniques and treatment plans.
- Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient outcomes.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Registered Nurse with a minimum of two years of experience in pain management or a related field.
- Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is required.
- Experience in clinical settings, with at least one year of full-time experience as a Pain Nurse within the last three years, preferably in a pain clinic.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise LPNs or other healthcare staff.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The nurse will work at WRNMMC, primarily within the Pain Clinic, providing patient care, education, and support for integrative medicine practices.
Our Values:
Native American Owned & Proud | Accountable | Team Focused | Innovative | Visionary | Excellence
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform clinical procedures.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
Full-time, Monday-Friday, 0600-1700.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel for NCRPI Annual Pain Care Skills Training (up to three days).
CLEARANCE/LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Must have a valid, unrestricted RN license from a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth. BLS, ACLS, and CPR certifications are required.
AAP/EEO Statement
Ho-Chunk, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. However, preference may be extended to persons of Indian descent in accordance with applicable laws.
