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What Does a Pain Management and Palliative Care Nurse Do?

Pain management and palliative care nurses take care of patients who have terminal illnesses. Unlike hospice nursing, which provides care when death is imminent, pain management and palliative care nursing may stretch over longer periods of time, but frequently includes end-of-life care.

Palliative care nurses must understand and have the skills for pain management, but nurses who work only in pain management don't necessarily work in palliative care. They may work with patients who are living with acute or chronic pain from injury, disability, or disease.

Education and Training Required to Become a Pain Management and Palliative Care Nurse

Generally, registered nurses (RNs) may follow degree programs in pain management and palliative care nursing at a bachelor's degree level or higher. There are certification programs available for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) as well. These allow you to become certified in pain management and palliative care nursing. The certification programs and certification exams are separate, however.

You can find pain management and palliative care nursing degree programs at traditional colleges and universities, and as online degree programs.

Typical Characteristics of a Pain Management and Palliative Care Nurse

Working with patients who require pain management and palliative care can be physically and emotionally draining. Each specialization--pediatrics, adults, or geriatrics--has different demands.

Dealing with children who are dying or in pain means you are working not only with the children, but their families. When working with adults, you may be working with adults who were in the prime of their lives. With seniors, there are other issues. Care, compassion, and understanding of what it is like to have pain and need relief, is essential.

High Demand for Pain Management and Palliative Care Nurses

People are living longer. They are also living with terminal illnesses longer, leaving many living in chronic pain. Pain management and palliative care nursing is a growing field among all ages, and demand will continue.

Statistics show the need for nurses should grow about 22 percent over the next eight years. Salaries for registered nurses vary depending on place of employment an experience. Registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $62,450 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.