This course provides New Jersey nurses and other licensed health care professionals with practical education concerning prescription opioid drugs. It addresses the state-required opioid education topics, including responsible prescribing practices, alternatives for managing pain, opioid-related risks, signs of misuse and addiction, diversion concerns, patient communication, documentation, and role-appropriate responses in health care settings.
Developed by: Scott Strachan RN, BSN
Target Audience
New Jersey registered professional nurses, licensed practical nurses, advanced practice nurses, and other licensed health care professionals whose continuing education requirements include education concerning prescription opioid drugs.
Teaching Method
Self-directed learning completed independently, with scenario-based reflection.
Overview
Prescription opioids may be used as part of a patient’s pain management plan, but their use requires careful assessment, communication, monitoring, and documentation. Health care professionals must recognize the therapeutic purpose of prescribed opioids while remaining alert to adverse effects, unsafe medication use, possible misuse, opioid use disorder, and diversion.
This course reviews New Jersey’s biennial prescription opioid education requirement and the topics identified by the state for licensed nurses. Learners will examine responsible prescribing principles, non-opioid and nonpharmacologic pain management options, opioid-related risks, warning signs that require further assessment or reporting, and practical approaches to patient education.
The course also emphasizes professional role boundaries. Prescribing decisions must be made by authorized practitioners, while nurses and other team members contribute through assessment, medication administration, monitoring, education, communication, documentation, and timely reporting. Practical examples will help learners apply these responsibilities when responding to opioid-related concerns in clinical and community settings.
Learner Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
Disclosure
The planner(s) and author(s) of this educational activity have disclosed that there are no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests related to the content of this course. This course is developed for educational purposes and does not receive commercial support.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the content is not guaranteed to be free from errors or omissions. Participants are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional for specific advice related to their circumstances. The creators and presenters of this course disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information provided.
We will send you a one-time access code.