by Cheryl Regan

In the span of two decades, City of Hope nursing researchers have profoundly influenced the relief of patients’ pain and suffering across the nation. City of Hope’s pain resource nurse training has played a big part in the transformation.

From left, Shirley Johnson, Denice Economou and Marcia Grant catch up during the 20th Annual Pain Resource Nurse Training Course. (Photo by p.cunningham)

The Division of Nursing Research and Education recently celebrated its 20th Annual Pain Resource Nurse (PRN) Training Course. The course was developed and is led by Betty R. Ferrell, R.N., Ph.D., M.A., research scientist in the division, and Marcia Grant, R.N., D.N.Sc., division director.

The PRN course provides evidence-based training in pain management for nurses in health-care organizations or on clinical teams to improve the quality of pain management. PRNs serve as resources for pain management and interact with other health professionals, patients and caregivers.

“These nurses play a vital role in providing effective and compassionate care to all patients in pain,” Grant said. “The training course helps nurses improve care and strengthens their roles as advocates for patients.”

The event honored Grant and Ferrell for their leadership in improving nursing education and the treatment of pain. Margo McCaffery, M.S., R.N.-B.C., and Chris Pasero, M.S., R.N.-B.C., internationally known experts in pain management nursing, also received awards for their contributions to the field.

In addition, City of Hope nurse Griselda Villegas, R.N., O.C.N, received the 2011 Margo McCaffery Award for Excellence in Pain Management.

“We started this course because at the time, the pain that patients were experiencing was changing, and nurses needed to know about the different pain resources that were available,” said Grant. “We wanted to improve on how to manage pain: when to use non-drug alternatives, as well as medications.”

Since the first course 20 years ago, more than 2,300 nurses nationally and internationally have attended. The 2012 course will be Sept. 5 to 7 at City of Hope; for information, contact Maggie Johnson, mjohnson@coh.org or ext. 63202.