Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Professor Noh Joo-hee (College of Nursing) and her research team were recognized for their academic achievements in the field of nursing education in Korea and received the Outstanding Paper Award from the Korean Society of Nursing Education.

The team announced on the 30th that the study, conducted jointly with Kang Mi-ra, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Kwon Yeon-ju, Head Nurse, and team leader Kim Kyung-ja, was selected as this year’s best paper.

The awarded paper is titled 'Pain-Related Knowledge and Attitudes of Nursing Students in Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study.' The study systematically analyzed the level of knowledge and attitudes toward pain among 126 nursing students in Korea.

The results showed that the mean score for pain-related knowledge and attitudes was 20.40 out of a possible 41 points, and more than half of the participants demonstrated a low level. In particular, the correct response rates were low on items related to cancer pain and the use of analgesics, revealing a gap between the pain management competencies required in clinical settings and the education provided, the researchers reported.

Through this paper, the research team pointed out that nursing students in Korea generally lack sufficient knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management. They also recommended systematic educational improvements at the university level and the introduction of standardized educational programs to enable effective clinical pain management.

Professor Noh Joo-hee said, "Pain management is a core nursing competency that directly affects patient safety and quality of life," and added, "I hope this study will strengthen pain education for nursing students and lead to discussions on practical educational improvements that can be applied in clinical settings."