Barbara S. O'Brien, Ph.D., R.N.
Assistant Professor
p. 401.874.5318
bsobrien@mail.uri.edu
Dr. O'Brien has recently joined the faculty at URI. She received her BSN from the University of Michigan, MSN from the University of Cincinnati and PhD from Ohio State University. Coming to URI with a vast experience in both education and practice, Dr. O'Brien has most recently served as the Pain Management Nurse Specialist at Rhode Island Hospital. In this role, she worked with multicultural patients across the lifespan to manage both acute and chronic pain experiences. Her research interests are in the area of pain management and the implications of patient, family, and provider attitudes on the treatment of painful conditions.
Currently, she has a clinical group in the undergraduate junior medical-surgical nursing course and will be teaching the Pathophysiology course in the Clinical Nurse Leader area of emphasis.
Dr. O'Brien serves on the Rhode Island Governor's Task Force for Pain Management. Professional memberships include: American Association of Pain Management Nurses; American Pain Society; Sigma Theta Tau, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists; and Phi Kappa Phi.
Community Partnerships
Community partnerships are agencies that serve as clinical sites for student learning. The College of Nursing has excellent placements available throughout the state of Rhode Island and the bordering states. For some perspective of the diversity of our partnerships and the scope of experiences available for our students at all levels, see our information on Community Partnerships.
