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Burn Care Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN)

Burn care APRNs —including Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)–combine advanced clinical training with hands-on experience to assess, diagnose, and manage complex burn injuries. They serve as leaders, educators, and patient advocates, guiding patients and teams through recovery and rehabilitation.


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Find Burn Care APRN Jobs

Explore specialized opportunities in burn centers, trauma units, and academic medical centers. Many hospitals also offer NP and CNS fellowships, CRNA residencies, and advanced clinical rotations, helping APRNs deepen their expertise and prepare for leadership roles in burn care.


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What Does a Burn Care APRN Do?

Burn care APRNs assess and manage complex burn injuries, develop treatment plans, coordinate care, and support recovery across the care continuum.

  • NPs provide direct care, prescribe medications, and lead follow-up treatment.

  • CNSs guide evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and staff education.

  • CRNAs manage anesthesia, procedural sedation, and pain control during surgeries and wound care.

All contribute to research, family education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Typical Work Environments

  • Specialized burn units and ICUs (intensive care units)

  • Outpatient burn clinics 

  • Operating rooms and procedural suites

  • Academic medical centers and teaching hospitals 

  • Community hospitals and trauma centers

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform advanced assessments and develop treatment plans 

  • Manage pain control, wound care, and infection prevention 

  • Prescribe medications and coordinate interdisciplinary care 

  • Educate patients, families, and staff on burn recovery 

  • Lead quality improvement projects and contribute to research 

Career Growth and Leadership

Burn care APRNs can advance to roles such as nurse leaders, nurse educators, program directors, or researchers. ABA membership and education resources help APRNs expand leadership skills, engage in advocacy, and contribute to innovation in burn care.

What Makes a Successful Burn Care APRN? 

Critical thinking, resilience, and compassion are vital. APRNs combine clinical expertise with advanced education, leadership, and a commitment to patient-centered care to help survivors recover physically and emotionally.

Essential Certifications for Burn Care APRNs

  • Active RN license and APRN licensure (NP, CNS, etc.) 

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) 

  • National APRN board certification (e.g., ANCC, AANP) 

  • Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS) certification 

  • Basic and Advanced Life Support (BLS, ACLS) 

  • Ongoing continuing education in burn care and trauma


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Becoming a burn care APRN has allowed me to combine hands-on patient care with leadership and education. The ABA community and resources have been essential for staying current with research, sharing best practices, and helping patients achieve the best possible recovery.

Alex Rivera, MSN, APRN
Burn Care Nurse Practitioner and ABA Member

Elevate Your Burn Care APRN Career

The ABA supports all burn care APRNs with specialized education, certification resources, and a professional network committed to improving burn care and outcomes. Join a community where your expertise can make a lasting difference.


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