Starting out in the burn icu

UMichSCN07 · Feb 4, 2019

First off, congratulations! I too started out as a new grad in a burn ICU.

Burn care is as much an art as it is a science, so most of what you are inquiring about will be learned on the job and will probably be somewhat specific to the unit you hired into. I’ve found out the hard way that, in general, no two burn units do things the same way; in fact, really, no two burn surgeons do things the same way, even within the same unit.

That being said, one of the best textbook resources out there is Total Burn Care by Herndon. I have yet to visit a burn unit that doesn’t keep a copy hanging around. I also recommend the AACN Procedure Manual for Critical Care, as it covers most of the non-burn-specific procedures you’re likely to see.

A great online resource is michiganburn.org. It was developed jointly by the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center and the State of Michigan as a resource for providers in the event of a burn mass casualty incident. There are a number of Flash-based presentations that you can watch which will give you good insight into the basics of burn care.

Best of luck to you!

Mike in CO

Leadkrm, RN · Feb 6, 2019

On 2/4/2019 at 5:50 PM, UMichSCN07 said:
First off, congratulations! I too started out as a new grad in a burn ICU.
Burn care is as much an art as it is a science, so most of what you are inquiring about will be learned on the job and will probably be somewhat specific to the unit you hired into. I’ve found out the hard way that, in general, no two burn units do things the same way; in fact, really, no two burn surgeons do things the same way, even within the same unit.
That being said, one of the best textbook resources out there is Total Burn Care by Herndon. I have yet to visit a burn unit that doesn’t keep a copy hanging around. I also recommend the AACN Procedure Manual for Critical Care, as it covers most of the non-burn-specific procedures you’re likely to see.
A great online resource is michiganburn.org. It was developed jointly by the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center and the State of Michigan as a resource for providers in the event of a burn mass casualty incident. There are a number of Flash-based presentations that you can watch which will give you good insight into the basics of burn care.
Best of luck to you!
Mike in CO

Thank you very much for your time Mike. I look forward to looking into the resources that you listed. Your insight has been noted and is helpful.

Ricee · Jul 1, 2019

I also will be starting as a new Grad in a Burn Unit. I am very excited and held out for the position. Any advice or information you'd like to pass on to another newbie?

How is it going for you since you've now been there a few months?

Leadkrm, RN · Jul 2, 2019

7 hours ago, Ricee said:
I also will be starting as a new Grad in a Burn Unit. I am very excited and held out for the position. Any advice or information you'd like to pass on to another newbie?
How is it going for you since you've now been there a few months?

I have to be honest. The learning curve is steep. I’m getting in a decent groove with the easier patients. I still struggle with time management. I still have a large amount to learn. It will get better, but for now, I’m flying by the seat of my pants.

marienm, RN, CCRN · Jul 12, 2019

It will continue to get better! I don't think I felt fully confident on "normal" shifts for at least a year, and even now as a charge nurse there are still nights that kick my butt. I'm not saying that to discourage you but to let you know that your experience is pretty normal.

The real questions are: What do you think about the smell of the electrocautery tool? Do you like debriding a fresh burn? Do you love doing dressing changes in 90-degree rooms? ?

Leadkrm, RN · Jul 12, 2019

It’s not so bad so far. I’m gaining knowledge and techniques. The smells and visuals don’t bother me. It’s the crying and screaming. I have a good structure to lean on. I’m happy where I am now.

Ricee · Jul 12, 2019

12 hours ago, marienm, RN, CCRN said:
It will continue to get better! I don't think I felt fully confident on "normal" shifts for at least a year, and even now as a charge nurse there are still nights that kick my butt. I'm not saying that to discourage you but to let you know that your experience is pretty normal.
The real questions are: What do you think about the smell of the electrocautery tool? Do you like debriding a fresh burn? Do you love doing dressing changes in 90-degree rooms? ?

I'm not a huge fan of the smells (who says that they enjoy the smells?). Psuedomonas was pretty rough, but I enjoyed the dressings, and everything I learned so far, and seen.