Presence of pain is one of the main reasons why people seek healthcare (Wilkie, 2000), yet pain is often undertreated. Inadequate pain management has been linked to healthcare workers' failure to assess pain and to intervene in an appropriate manner. Limited attention given to pain management and pharmacologic pain interventions in nursing and medical curricula may also influence pain management. Consequently, an investigation of knowledge and attitudes about pain management among present nursing students may add to the body of knowledge. In addition collaboration between health care disciplines may be enhanced by increasing nurses' knowledge of pain management. A study was conducted in schools of nursing in a southern state in the United States during Spring and Fall 2004. The main purpose of the study was to explore nursing students' knowledge and attitudes about pain management. Data were collected using the 37-item Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (NKASRP) (Ferrell and McCaffery, 1992). Test-retest reliability of this instrument has been established (r>.80). Internal consistency was established (alpha r>.70) with items reflecting both the knowledge and attitude domains (Ferrell & McCaffery, 1998).

The sample included full-time and part-time nursing students currently enrolled in a clinical nursing course in any college or university in the southern state that was surveyed. Currently, about 1400 students are enrolled in clinical courses in 8 associate degree programs and 2342 are enrolled in clinical courses in 12 baccalaureate programs. A random sample of approximately one-fourth of all associate and baccalaureate degree nursing programs in that state was drawn using a sampling with replacement model to assure that programs could be added, if consent to survey students was not forthcoming. Data analysis is currently underway, using descriptive, univariate and bivariate statistical techniques.