Objective To analyze the effect of rehabilitation nursing based on planned behavior theory combined with VSD technology on the recovery of hand function after plastic surgery in patients with hand burn. Methods A total of 76 patients with hand burn and plastic surgery admitted to our hospital from February 2020 to October 2023 were selected as the research objects. They were divided into reference group and experimental group by random number table method, with 38 patients in each group. Both groups were treated with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD). The reference group was treated with routine nursing, and the experimental group was treated with rehabilitation nursing based on the theory of planned behavior. The self-efficacy score, total active range of motion (TAM) of finger joints, Carroll's upper limb function, quality of life and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results The self-efficacy score of the experimental group was higher than that of the reference group at 3 months after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). The TAM of the experimental group was higher than that of the reference group at 3 months, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). The excellent and good rate of Carroll's upper limb function in the experimental group was higher than that in the reference group, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). The general health status, social relations, psychological function, physical function and total score of the experimental group were higher than those of the reference group, and the differences were statistically significant (P <0.05). The nursing satisfaction of the experimental group was higher than that of the reference group, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). Conclusion The application of rehabilitation nursing based on planned behavior theory combined with VSD technology in patients with hand burn after plastic surgery is beneficial to promote the recovery of postoperative hand function, improve nursing satisfaction and improve the quality of life of patients, which is worthy of clinical application.