Nurse Practitioner- Pain Management

Advanced Practice Provider Pain Management

The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Pain Management provides comprehensive outpatient care for patients experiencing acute and chronic pain conditions in collaboration with pain management physicians and the multidisciplinary healthcare team. The APP independently evaluates and manages patients in the outpatient clinic setting, providing diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, medication management, and patient education related to pain conditions.

The APP functions as an integral member of the pain management team and supports the delivery of safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered care for individuals with complex pain disorders. Responsibilities include assessment of pain-related conditions, development and implementation of treatment plans, medication management, coordination of care, and follow-up evaluation of treatment outcomes.

The APP practices within the scope of professional licensure, national certification, institutional credentialing, and delineation of privileges in accordance with applicable state regulations and hospital policies.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or duties.

Outpatient Clinical Care

• Performs comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients with acute and chronic pain conditions in the outpatient clinic setting.
• Conducts patient evaluations including medical history, pain assessment, functional evaluation, medication review, and physical examination.
• Develops and implements individualized pain management treatment plans in collaboration with the supervising physician.
• Manages common pain conditions including musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, spine-related pain, post-surgical pain, and chronic pain syndromes.
• Orders and interprets diagnostic testing including laboratory studies and imaging when appropriate.
• Evaluates treatment effectiveness and adjusts care plans based on patient response and clinical findings.

Medication Management

• Prescribes and manages medications used in pain management within scope of practice and clinical privileges.
• Monitors medication effectiveness, side effects, and patient adherence to prescribed therapy.
• Implements safe prescribing practices and monitors patients receiving controlled substances in accordance with state regulations, institutional policies, and evidence-based guidelines.
• Reviews prescription monitoring program data and ensures compliance with opioid prescribing regulations when applicable.

Patient Education and Support

• Provides patient education regarding pain conditions, treatment options, medication use, and self-management strategies.
• Educates patients on non-pharmacologic pain management strategies including physical therapy, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and behavioral health approaches.
• Discusses expectations for treatment outcomes and functional improvement with patients and families.

Care Coordination

• Collaborates with pain management physicians, primary care providers, surgeons, physical therapists, behavioral health specialists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
• Facilitates referrals to appropriate specialty services including physical therapy, behavioral health, and interventional pain procedures when indicated.
• Coordinates follow-up care and monitoring of treatment progress.

Documentation and Quality

• Maintains timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in the electronic medical record in accordance with hospital policies, regulatory requirements, and billing standards.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives and adherence to evidence-based pain management practices.
• Supports program goals related to patient outcomes, safe prescribing practices, and patient satisfaction.

Education and Professional Development

• Assists in the education and mentorship of Advanced Practice Provider students or trainees when applicable.
• Participates in continuing education and professional development related to pain management and chronic disease management.

Work Experience

Education and Experience

• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
• Current and unrestricted state licensure as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.
• Current national certification through an approved certifying body (ANCC, AANP, or NCCPA).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Prior experience in pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurology, or primary care preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of acute and chronic pain conditions and treatment modalities.
• Ability to perform comprehensive pain assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Knowledge of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches to pain management.
• Knowledge of safe prescribing practices and regulatory requirements for controlled substances.
• Strong patient education and counseling skills related to pain management strategies.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Ability to manage a high-volume outpatient clinic environment while maintaining quality and efficiency.
• Proficiency in electronic medical record documentation and adherence to regulatory and compliance standards.
• Commitment to evidence-based practice, patient safety, and compassionate care for individuals with chronic pain conditions.

University of Maryland Medical Center