The specialist nurses had a more comprehensive knowledge base than the
general nurses; however, their knowledge scores did not appear to be related to their
experience in terms of years within the nursing profession.
Conclusion. Whilst educational programmes contribute to an increase in knowledge,
it would appear that the working environment has an influence on the
development and use of this knowledge. It is suggested that the clinical environment
in which the specialist nurse works can induce feelings of reduced self-efficacy and
low personal control. To ease tension, strategies are used that can result in nurses
refusing to endorse their knowledge, which can increase patients’ pain.