A Competency-Based Orientation for the Registered Nurse and Pain Management in the Perianesthesia Setting. This publication addressing the complexity of pain and comfort management, is the result of the collaborative work contributed by many perianesthesia nurse experts. The purpose of this competency-based manual (CBO) derives from ASPAN’s clinical inquiry priority to provide the best evidence upon which perianesthesia nurses practice. ASPAN studies have shown that perianesthesia nurses frequently request access to new knowledge and resources related to the management of pain during the perianesthesia patient experience.

This CBO outlines essential performance criteria to be utilized in the orientation process of the nurse new to perianesthesia care, provides a reference of best practices for the veteran nurse, and serves as a source of annual clinical updates for the entire perianesthesia nursing staff related to pain and comfort in the perianesthesia setting.

The chapters are written in an easy-to-use outline format, and include competency statements with defined criteria, test questions, and case studies designed to highlight emerging/key topics in today’s perianesthesia climate.

In keeping with the Donna Wright model of competency verification, recommendations for guiding the preceptor and the learner support the evaluation of the effectiveness of the material being presented as well as the retention of new information are provided at the end of each chapter.