I have five years of experience working in a Level I trauma center, specializing in burn care. My role involved pre- and post-operative management of burn patients, including wound care, pain management, and monitoring for complications like infection or sepsis. I collaborated closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care. My hands-on experience with debridement, grafting procedures, and fluid resuscitation has equipped me to handle high-acuity cases efficiently while maintaining patient comfort and safety.

Prioritizing care for a multi-trauma burn patient begins with the ABCs—airway, breathing, and circulation—to stabilize life-threatening conditions. I assess the extent and depth of burns, ensuring prompt fluid resuscitation to prevent hypovolemic shock. Simultaneously, I address associated injuries, such as fractures or internal trauma, in collaboration with the trauma team. Pain management and infection prevention are also critical early interventions. Using a systematic approach, I triage tasks based on urgency while maintaining clear communication with the team to ensure no aspect of care is overlooked.

Pain management for burn patients requires a multimodal approach due to the complex nature of burn pain. I combine pharmacological interventions, such as opioids, NSAIDs, and adjuvant medications like gabapentin, with non-pharmacological methods like distraction therapy or guided imagery. I assess pain frequently using validated scales and adjust treatments based on patient response. Additionally, I prioritize preemptive analgesia before wound care or procedures to minimize distress. My goal is to balance effective pain relief with minimizing side effects, ensuring the patient remains comfortable while promoting healing and mobility.

Burn trauma patients often experience significant emotional distress, so I integrate psychological support into their care plan. I build trust through active listening, empathy, and clear communication about their treatment. I involve mental health professionals early for counseling or PTSD screening and encourage family involvement to provide emotional support. I also educate patients on the recovery process to reduce anxiety. By addressing both physical and emotional needs, I help patients cope with the trauma and foster resilience during their healing journey.

Infection prevention in burn patients involves strict adherence to aseptic techniques during wound care, including proper hand hygiene and sterile dressing changes. I monitor for early signs of infection, such as increased redness or purulent drainage, and ensure timely cultures and antibiotics if needed. I advocate for early excision and grafting to reduce infection risk and educate patients and families on hygiene practices. Environmental controls, like isolating high-risk patients, also play a key role. My proactive approach minimizes complications and promotes optimal recovery.