Who should take this course?

This course is ideal for Nursing Home Administrators, Adult Foster Care (AFC) owners and administrators, nurses, nurse assistive personnel, and direct care staff seeking Michigan Adult Foster Care CEUs and NHA continuing education focused on pain in patients and pain management.

How many CEUs does NHA Course 1408 provide?

The National Continuing Education Review Service (NCERS) of the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) has approved NHA Course 1408 – Understanding the Dilemma of Pain and Pain Management for 5.75 CEUs.

What will I learn in this pain management course?

You will explore the definition of pain, primary pain contributors in humans, pain associated with inflammation, how pain medications are designed to work, the relationship between pain and depression in nursing home patients, the most common treatment approaches, and how to provide emotional comfort to those living with pain.

Is this course recognized for Michigan Adult Foster Care CEUs?

Yes. This course is listed as part of Direct Care Training & Resource Center, Inc.’s Michigan Adult Foster Care CEU catalog. It can support ongoing training requirements for AFC licensees in accordance with applicable state rules.

Do I receive a certificate of completion?

Yes. After you complete all chapters and required quizzes in the Thinkific platform, you can download a certificate of completion to keep with your personnel, licensing, and compliance records.

NHA CEU Course - Pain in Patients and Pain Management

Chapter 1: Pain and What It Is

Begin with a clear, practical definition of pain. Review primary pain contributors in humans, including physiological, emotional, and environmental factors, plus pain associated with inflammation and what this means for frail or medically complex residents.

Chapter 2: Treatment and the Human Side

Learn how common pain medications are designed to work, how they are selected and monitored, and how pain management intersects with depression in nursing home and Adult Foster Care residents.

Chapter 3: Treatment Approaches

Explore the most common treatment approaches, from pharmacologic strategies to supportive and non-pharmacologic measures, and how to collaborate with nurses and nurse assistive personnel.

Chapter 4: Course Review & Post-Test

Consolidate what you have learned in a focused course review and post-test that reinforce key concepts and help you translate pain management principles into everyday practice.

What You’ll Gain

5.75 CEUs approved through NCERS for Nursing Home Administrators and applicable to Michigan AFC training files.
A working definition of pain and insight into primary pain contributors in older and medically fragile adults.
Understanding of pain associated with inflammation and how it complicates chronic conditions.
Knowledge of how pain medications are designed to work and how they affect residents’ mood and function.
Awareness of the link between pain and depression in nursing home and AFC environments.
Practical ideas for combining medical treatment with emotional comfort to support pain sufferers.
A downloadable certificate of completion suitable for personnel, licensure, and survey documentation.

Start Learning

Pain is not just a symptom; it is a lived experience that demands skilled, compassionate response. This course equips leaders and caregivers in long term care and Adult Foster Care with tools to manage pain more effectively and ethically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course only for Nursing Home Administrators?

No. While it is NCERS-approved for NHA CEUs, the material is equally valuable for Adult Foster Care owners, administrators, nurses, and direct care staff who need deeper understanding of pain and pain management.
Can I use this course for Michigan AFC CEUs?

Yes. Direct Care Training & Resource Center, Inc. includes this course in its Michigan Adult Foster Care CEU catalog. You should always confirm how many hours you need and retain your certificate of completion with your AFC records.
How long will it take to complete?

Most learners complete the material and post-test in a few focused sittings, but the pace is self-directed. You can pause and resume within the Thinkific platform as it fits your schedule.
What format is the training?

The course is delivered fully online through readable lessons and knowledge checks inside Thinkific. You can access it on desktop, tablet, or mobile with a reliable internet connection.

NHA Course 1408 - Understanding the Dilemma of Pain and Pain Management

Course curriculum

Chapter 1: Pain and What It is...

Chapter 2: The Treatment Side of Things and Human Side...

Chapter 3 - Treatment Approaches

Chapter 4 - The Course Review / Post-Test

NHA Course 1408 – Understanding the Dilemma of Pain and Pain Management

Chapter 1: Pain and What It Is

Chapter 2: Treatment and the Human Side

Chapter 3: Treatment Approaches

Chapter 4: Course Review & Post-Test

What You’ll Gain

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course only for Nursing Home Administrators?

Can I use this course for Michigan AFC CEUs?

How long will it take to complete?

What format is the training?