NSG Student About to Start Clinical in Burns

allnurses Guide · Sep 9, 2008

Hi there, welcome to the site. Just wondered if there was anything in particular that was worrying you about working in burns.

I found it a really challenging speciality, and learnt so much to work there. What type of burns will you be caring for, I worked Burns HDU / ICU and admissions.

We also had burns rehab and paediatric wards which we covered as well.

If you can give me an idea of what in particular you are worried about then we may be able to narrow down our advice

groovy jeff, RN · Sep 10, 2008

Sharrie,

I too have an opportunity to work in a regional burn center starting in January; but as an extern. I have never been on a burn unit but have some personal experience with explosions (yes I am a knucklehead). I always thought that I would like a burn unit and that it would be great experience that I could use anywhere I went. So here are my questions:

What is HDU?
What skills will I use/need the most?
What would you recommend to a nursing student as far as preparing for a job/externship at a burn unit?

Thanks in advance and stay groovy,

jeff

PS My wife is a RN and she has had 2 Heritage Softails, been to Sturgis several times, and did 6 countries in Europe on a Harley. I bet you guys would speak the same language!

allnurses Guide · Sep 10, 2008

Jeff

HDU is a high dependency unit, this is where our sickest burns went. It was a HDU / ICU really.

THe skills are so many, dressings are a big one, many of the burns I cared for needed daily dressings over large surface areas, so as the nursing looking after them you could well spend a few hours redressing the wounds. We also used to scrub in theatre if they needed surgery, not my cup of tea but it was total patient care, whilst you were on that shift you did absolutely everything needed for that person.

THe psychological support needed by these patients is immense and you can spend quite bit of time just talking, allowing them to grieve for the loss of body image.

Fluid balance and replacement is also a big issue with burns patients, especially in the first few days post injury, working out the requirements and making sure that they got it, maintaining I/O is vital

I personally felt that burns nursing used every single nursing skill I have, and I loved it, as far as preparing for it I am not sure that you can. Obviously it is worth having a look at the different burns formulae and finding out which ones are used in your area (I think we use different ones in the UK)

You are right your wife and I would definatley understand each other, we are planning a big trip to Europe next year. :smokin: