Pain management: A deeper look at rural and urban nurses' perceptions and experiences

PurposeAbout 11.4 million individuals admitted to misusing an opioid in the past year. The purpose of this study was to determine if nurses' definitions of pain management differed by location, and to assess the challenges treating patients with pain management concerns. This study fills a gap by comparing quantitative and qualitative feedback from nurses on pain management concerns in their practice location. MethodsData were collected using an electronic survey emailed to licensed nurses across the United States. The mixed methods survey used multiple choice, select all that apply, and open-ended responses to gather data on nurses' perceptions of pain management. One hundred and eighty nurses completed the survey and were included in the study. Sixty-six percent practiced in an urban hospital. FindingsRural and urban nurses defined pain management as nonopioids and opioids. Seventy-one percent of urban nurses defined pain management as physical therapy compared to only 61% of rural nurses. Similarly, 62% of urban nurses identified homeopathic medicines and treatments as pain management techniques compared to 52% of rural nurses. From the qualitative data, 32% of rural nurses stated that patients with pain management concerns only want pain medications compared to 14% of urban nurses. ConclusionsNurses have a critical position in and valuable perspective on the opioid epidemic. Rural communities are relatively disadvantaged in combatting the opioid epidemic. The finding that rural residents only want pain medication instead of alternative pain management options further challenges the country's rural health care workforce.