Barbara Burnes

Barbara Burnes, MS, RN, CPXP, is a seasoned nurse, educator, facilitator, trainer, and consultant with extensive experience across diverse healthcare settings. Currently serving as a Director with Atrium Health, Barbara brings a deep commitment to advancing compassionate, high-quality care through leadership development and service excellence. Her clinical background spans hospitals, long-term care, home health, medical practices, and serving as an ER charge nurse in a Level II trauma center. Drawing on this frontline experience, Barbara has become a sought-after trainer for leadership development programs and service behavior workshops, equipping healthcare professionals with the skills to lead with empathy and communicate with impact. Barbara also serves as an adjunct instructor for both collegiate programs and professional organizations, and she is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences. Her speaking topics include service education for physicians and staff, leadership communication, and strategies for building a collaborative, patient-centered culture. A passionate advocate for kindness in healthcare, Barbara is a champion for creating environments where compassion and quality care go hand in hand.