Neonatal Pain: From Concept to Research Questions and a Role for the Advanced Practice Nurse

The assessment and treatment of neonatal pain remain inconsistent in spite of scientific evidence and agreement among practitioners that neonates do experience pain. In fact, pain forms the basis for many subsequent maturational events and may mediate future responses to pain. The article outlines the concept of pain in the neonate, provides suggestions for future research, and discusses the instrumental role of the advanced practice nurse in the recognition and treatment of neonatal pain.