Evaluation of the pain resource nurse role: a resource for improving pediatric pain management.

Pain resource nurses (PRNs), who act as pain management coaches or mentors for their colleagues, can contribute to effective pain management. The PRN's role has not been well evaluated in the context of pediatric nursing. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the PRN's role in a pediatric setting and, more specifically, to describe the role in terms of the activities PRNs engage in, the challenges they face, and the supports that help them fulfill their role. This research was part of an evaluation of the implementation of a comprehensive pain management program in a pediatric hospital. Focus groups were conducted with 18 PRNs six months after implementation of the PRN role. The essence of the role is to provide support for best-practice pain management to nurses and the multidisciplinary team. The PRNs described seven components of their role and specific strategies to operationalize their role. In addition, the PRNs faced challenges, including feeling disappointed when their expectations for better pain management were not met, experiencing difficulty fitting the activities into their busy workdays, facilitating their colleagues' improved pain management without also alienating them, and maintaining their enthusiasm and energy for the role. Pediatric nursing staff can effectively fill the role of the PRN. The role is multifaceted, and maintaining the role required commitment and enthusiasm on the part of the nurses, as well as commitment by their related institutions.