Pain Management Nurse Certification

This is a computer-based test (CBT)

Application and Pricing (PDF: 313KB)

Description of Practice

The nurse in pain management provides comprehensive nursing care to clients experiencing acute and chronic pain from a variety of causes such as cancer, labor and deliver, post operative, headaches, etc. The nurse uses pain management knowledge and skills to make clinical decisions, develop client diagnosis, establish a plan of care, and evaluate the effectiveness of care for patients of all ages including special populations. Care is provided in collaboration with other health care professionals.
Nurses engaged in pain management adhere to the scope of practice authorized by state and federal regulations in which the practice occurs.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold a current, active RN license within a state or territory of the United States or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country

• Have practiced the equivalent of two years full time as a registered nurse

• Have practiced in a nursing role which involves aspects of pain management (e.g. pain assessment and management, pain management education, research, etc.) at least 2,000 hours in the three years prior to applying to take the examination

• Have completed 30 hours of continuing education in the three year prior to taking the exam, of which a minimum of 15 hours must be related to pain management

All requirements must be completed prior to application for the examination.

Credential awarded: RN-BC (Registered Nurse-Board Certified)

This page last revised 1/15/2008.