Teaching Strategies for Nonpharmacological Pain Management to Nursing Students

Pain management is an essential concept to be integrated throughout undergraduate nursing curricula. Many studies have identified a lack of knowledge in pain assessment and management among nurses. Educators have significant roles in preparing students with pain knowledge and application of alternative nonpharmacological pain management techniques.

The purpose of this research study was to explore the impact of instruction on nonpharmacological pain management techniques in both didactic and simulated laboratory settings on nursing students' application of these techniques in clinical settings.

A mixed-method descriptive study, with a survey that included closed and open-ended questions.

The sample included 144 first-semester senior prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students.

Investigators developed two research questionnaires. All students were given nonpharmacological pain management instruction didactically and practiced in the simulation lab and a hospital-based obstetrical practicum under faculty supervision. The students completed research questionnaires at the semester's conclusion and again prior to graduation.

Students reported that they implemented taught nonpharmacological pain management techniques in the clinical setting under faculty supervision. A review of the follow-up questionnaire indicates that graduating seniors did implement the nonpharmacological pain management techniques in other clinical settings and plan to utilize them in their future nursing practice.

Teaching nonpharmacological pain management techniques didactically, in a simulation lab and a supervised clinical setting contributes to students' ability to apply these techniques. The findings of this study have implications for nursing education and students' future clinical practice to foster their utilization of nonpharmacological pain management techniques across all settings.