[MaleAPRN]

I need to touch base with another NP who happens to be working in a Pain Management area. I just started an NP position in Pain Management over a month ago and I am still trying to work out the "kinks". I am the first NP hired by this group and they are also working with me on trying to maximize my potential as a mid-level provider in this practice.

I wanted to get some input from other NPs who work in this area, and to get some ideas of how to incorporate myself into the practice in a more efficient way...billing, protocols and procedures, compensation...etc.

You can PM me.

Thanks so much.

Vince.

[traumaRUs]

How cool...what are job duties? Does your practice deal more with non-pharmacological measures of pain control? Or...more medical procedures like blocks, etc?

Hope you get some responses, I'm interested in different ways to help my chronic pain patients on dialysis.

[MaleAPRN]

Our patients vary in their degrees of pain. Many of them are on chronic opioid medications. The docs perform many invasive blocks (epidurals, stellate ganglion blocks...to name a few) and I am just starting to perform trigger point/myofascial blocks. We also use TENS units, etc.

I am beginning to bring in my experience as an APN in using and recommending to my patients both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic means for controlling their pain (where appropriate, of course).

I've already noticed a big difference in some patients. I've received wonderful compliments from others who have never interacted with an NP before. For example, I usually spend several minutes talking to the patients I see, whether it be in the hospital or clinic. One patient told me, "You are the first person to ever "listen" to me. A lot of the doctors usually just say hi and bye just like that."

I'm very excited overall in working with patients with chronic pain. The fact that I am also a recent CRNA (working for the same group), working in these dual roles is such a new and exciting path for me.

For the meantime, I am also excited to meet other APNs who may be in a dual role capacity like me. From what I know thus far, I may be the only DUAL role NP/CRNA working in the same medical group in my state.

Vince.

[sirI]

Interesting, Vince. I've not met a CRNA who is certified as NP, too. Kudos to you.

I am dual cert in OB-GYN and Family Practice. But, I do not deal with pain management.

Hope others who are working in this area come along and ya'll can bounce off ideas.

[jer_sd]

I work as a NP for a large radiology group we have a large number of patients who have blocks, epidurals ect...

We are slowly trying to provide a limited pain management service rather than just be block docks so this is part of my job that will grow over time.

The dual role as a CRNA and NP woudl be fantastic. I always wish I would have considered a CRNA, but I have done RNFA, and two NP programs (working on my 3rd NP now).
Jeremy