The role of the advanced practice oncology nurse in pain relief

Oncology nurses have consistently identified relief of pain as a major priority for their specialty. Although many articles provide nurses with advice on ways to improve pain management for people with cancer, few address the practicality and likelihood of these strategies being implemented by an individual nurse. Oncology nurses in advanced practice roles are often in ideal situations to effect some of the positive, broad changes that are needed to improve pain relief. This paper describes the unique contribution that nurses in advanced practice roles can make to pain management and offers a prescription for leadership in practice that can enhance effective pain management for people with cancer.