Pain Management
Your level of comfort is very important to us. Our nursing staff will assess any discomfort and your level of pain on admission and frequently during your hospital stay.
Pain is Different for Everyone
No two people are alike when it comes to pain. The key for effectively
managing your pain is to understand how to describe it. As a patient of
RWJ Hamilton, you can expect:
- To receive appropriate assessment, measurement and treatment of pain
- Information about pain and pain relief measures
- Committed staff concerned about pain prevention and management
- Health professionals who respond quickly to reports of pain
- Health professionals who believe your reports of pain
- Education about your pain medication and who to contact for any problems you may have after discharge
In order for our staff to better manage your pain, we expect that you will:
- Report pain as soon as possible
- Report if the medication you are given does not make your pain better
- Tell your doctor or nurse about any worries you have about taking pain medication
- Work with your doctor and nurse to develop a pain management plan
Pain Medication Administration
Oral tablets or liquids, rectal suppositories, skin patches or injections
into large muscles are common administration methods to control pain.
Often postoperative pain is managed through intravenous (into a vein)
or epidural (through a small tube in the back) administration.
Both methods deliver medications through a small pump that the nurse will
program from the physician's orders. In many instances, you will be able
to push a button to deliver pain medication when you need it. Family members
and visitors are not permitted to do this for you.