Help me with compassion fatigue

And OP, always use your resources. If you are having patients who are chronic painers, then to get them involved in a pain management consult would be in their best interests.

Chronic pain is a weird dynamic. Some are just so scared to have the level of pain for non-function it is imperative that they control the timing. It is an out of control feeling to be in that place. And some are, in fact, dependent on pain meds to function. And withdrawal is not a good place to be. And it is so easy to get hooked. And most do not think that there is a choice between horrible unrelenting pain and IV pain medication. And for some, there may not be. But for others there can be choices.

I get that patients can not go home on IV push dilaudid. And that speaks to the way their pain is controlled long term. And to have resources available to the patient can only help them to succeed in controlling the pain, and regaining function.

I'd like to add: to the RNs who have, say, a post op addict... the acute care setting is absolutely NOT the time to try to " fix" them , or make them " less" addicted, or most certainly withhold a pain med, or give it late. You are not a substance abuse counselor, an addictionologist, or even an MD for that matter . If they have an order ? Whether you agree or not? You GIVE it... with a smile and the same courtesy as the lady in the next room.. do you actually think the doc doesn't know the score ? It's not the time nor the place !!!