| It is estimated that seventy-three million patients undergo surgical procedures each year in the United States. Of these, 80% experience acute post-operative pain, and approximately 20% experience severe pain (Hutchinson, 2007). Benner's Theory from Novice to Expert was used to guide the study, "Evaluating the Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Pain Management Among Nurses in a Surgical Setting at an Acute Care Facility". A convenience sample of twenty-one nurses in an acute care hospital in Southwestern North Carolina participated in the Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain. Results showed a weak correlation between knowledge and attitudes of pain management and years of experience (r=0.368). A weak correlation was also found between knowledge and attitudes of pain management and level of education (r=0.245). |
