Abstract: Objective: To investigate the practice status of pain care specialist nurses in Zhejiang province, analyze the influencing factors of their professional identity, and provide a basis for improving the level of professional identity of pain care specialist nurses. Methods: From April to May 2025, a cluster sampling method was adopted to conduct a questionnaire survey among 252 nurses who participated in the training for pain care specialist nurses in Zhejiang province. The survey tools included a basic information questionnaire, a questionnaire on the current practice status of pain care specialist nurses, and a Nurse Professional Identity Scale. Results: A total of 192 valid responses were obtained. Regarding practice status, 86.5% nurses worked part-time in pain management, with primary activities covering clinical care, nursing education, health education, and nursing research. Common challenges included the lack of dedicated pain care positions and insufficient resources and equipment. Only 29.2% of the nurses had their training expenses fully covered by their institutions, and 40.1% of the nurses reported no change in their benefits after obtaining the qualification certificate. The mean professional identity score was 88.2±14.0. Multivariate regression analysis results showed that employment in tertiary hospitals, high frequency of applying the knowledge and skills acquired from training, participation in academic conferences, and full coverage of training expenses by the institution were positive factors for their professional identity (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Pain care specialist nurses in Zhejiang province demonstrate a relatively strong sense of professional identity. However, their professional development is constrained by limited positions, resources, and incentive mechanisms. Administrators should optimize position establishment, provide opportunities for academic exchange, and strengthen organizational support to elevate the level of professional identity among these nurses.

Key words: pain; specialist nurse; practice status; professional identity