Abstract
Pediatric patients report peripheral intravenous catheter placement to be one of the leading causes of procedure-related pain in the hospital. Few studies have investigated the impact of pain associated with venous access procedures on nurses performing these procedures. Objective: To examine nurses' attitudes toward and experience with venous access pain in pediatric patients and their perceptions of the value of current techniques used for managing such pain. Methods: A Web-based survey was sent to members of 3 nursing societies Use: the Emergency Nurses Association, the Infusion Nurses Society, and the Society of Pediatric Nurses. Results: The survey was completed by 2,187 nurses. Respondents indicated that inserting an intravenous catheter in a fearful, anxious child was challenging (96%). Nonpharmacologic techniques were frequently used but were perceived as insufficient for alleviating pain when used alone. Pharmacologic techniques were deemed more effective but are used less often, primarily because they are associated with a slow onset of action, vasoconstriction, the need for physician authorization, and treatment delays. Most respondents agreed that improved pain management enhances their satisfaction with their job performance (91%), increases job satisfaction (81%), increases the likelihood of their having a positive relationship with patients and families (91%), and positively impacts the hospital experience for children and their families (97%). Most nurses (92%) agreed that an effective, fast-acting topical local anesthetic would benefit pediatric patients, their families, and the nurses who treat them. Conclusions: The findings from this survey suggest that improved management of pediatric venous access pain can lead to enhanced job satisfaction among nurses.