The ability of making a clinical judgment is essential in the nursing career. It safely and effectively meets the patient’s health care needs. We are given an insight into Josie Elliot’s pain management in postoperative care in which, Tanner’s model of clinical judgment is used holistically provide Josie’s optimum patient care. This provides a framework to enhance the process of making a clinical judgment in several situations. The importance of Josie Elliot’s pain management and potential effects of uncontrolled pain in postoperative care are discussed to provide full recovery for the patient’s needs. The importance of pain control is to provide patient comfort during the healing process in postoperative care. (Douglas & Schoenwald, 2013) Pain is considered the 5th vital sign during observations therefore the pain scale should be recorded during observations after surgery. Pain intensity is also assessed, as it is a quantitative estimate of the severity of the patient’s perceived pain. (Douglas & Schoenwald, 2013) Nurses also use pain scales to determine the pain intensity. (Ersek & Irving, 2012) For example, the numerical rating scale allows the patient to rate the level of pain from 0 -10. Nurses use a holistic approach to help the patient on how to deal with pain, helping them regain their physical, mental and spiritual health. (Seliman & Andosy, 2011) Family & patient education is also important as Lorig (2001) views it as a schema designed to improve patients’ health behaviours. (Oshodi, 2007) For example, deep breathing exercises are demonstrated to patients and families to reduce anxiety. This effectively helps the family and patient develop a sound understanding of pain management. (Phillips, 2013) The most important component during postoperative care is assessing vital signs. This is usually conducted every 30 minutes for 2