Hispanic Nurses’ Knowledge of and Approach to Pain Assessment and Management

Purpose: This study sought to determine whether (a) Hispanic nurses differ in assessment and management of pain for Hispanic versus non-Hispanic patients and (b) relationships exist between measures of acculturation and Hispanic nurses’ assessment and pain management. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional correlation design study used three survey instruments to identify Hispanic nurses’ cultural beliefs and how they approach pain management in clinical settings. Results: The average nurse had inadequate knowledge. However, a sample strength was accurate pain assessment for both non-Hispanic and Hispanic patients; they had higher pain management decision-making scores for Hispanic patients. Conclusion: Results are consistent with empirical findings that nurses in general have inadequate knowledge of pain management, with important implications regarding needing further research and training in this area. Implications for Practice: Future research should examine whether other ethnic groups are more likely to make correct decisions in pain management for members of their ethnic group.