Objective Based on the outcome-based education (OBE) concept, to explore the lived experiences, facilitators and barriers related to core competency enhancement and career development among nurses in the burn and plastic surgery department, so as to provide evidence for optimizing the training model and career development system of specialized nurses. Methods A phenomenological method of qualitative research was adopted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 nurses working in the ward of burn and plastic surgery department of our hospital from January to December 2025 for semi-structured interviews. Sample size was determined by data saturation with no new themes emerging. The interview outline focused on specialized core competencies, professional values, training and certification, career development pathways and organizational support of nurses in burn and plastic surgery department. Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method was applied for data analysis. Results Three themes were extracted: ①Insufficient manifestation of specialized nurse value and limited recognition of professional roles; ②Decreased work vigor and insufficient motivation for professional growth; ③Demand for core competency enhancement and ambiguous career development pathways. Conclusion Nurses in burn and plastic surgery department experience inadequate realization of specialized value, reduced work vigor, demand for competency promotion and unclear career development paths. Their competency enhancement and career development are affected by factors such as power and responsibility boundaries, certification and promotion, as well as organizational support. It is recommended to construct a role competency model based on expected outcomes, clarify the authority list, and improve certification, promotion and organizational cultural support.