| The purpose of this study is to examine school nurses' knowledge/attitudes, assessment and management of pain in children with sickle cell disease. A descriptive correlational design was used to collect data from 61 Midwestern school nurses. Outcomes were measured with The School Nurses Knowledge, Education, Assessment and Treatment of Sickle Cell Questionnaire, which consisted of eight questions from Manworren's Pediatric Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain and 12 questions related to the nurses personal experiences regarding pain management. School nurses demonstrated average knowledge/attitude regarding pain, but lacked knowledge about non-pharmacological interventions and equal analgesic effects of medications. They thought children over-report their pain. Nurses provided appropriate treatments for pain management, despite communication and medication barriers. Educating school nurses and staff regarding sickle cell disease is imperative for effective pain management. Collaboration is needed between parents, healthcare providers and nurses to provide effective individualized pain management. Additional studies examining school nurses' knowledge, attitudes and current pain management are needed. |
