Nursing Aspects of ECPR and ECMO Training

Nurses who care for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) must be knowledgeable and competent in foundational critical care practices prior to caring for this critically ill subset of patients. An orientation program that incorporates a longitudinal, stepwise approach to knowledge acquisition and training with SimZones simulation complements various adult learning styles and provides a structure for educational activities. Establishing initial psychological safety and maintaining it throughout the educational experience is intrinsic to fostering an optimal learning environment. Creating psychological safety enhances participant engagement and is a fundamental element in the debriefing process. Principles of crisis resource management, including role clarity, communication, global assessment, resource management, and personnel support, are embedded throughout training. This chapter describes unique aspects of ECMO training for bedside nurses as part of the team caring for patients on mechanical circulatory support utilizing a SimZones-specific simulation model. Prerequisite activities include self-guided studies, discipline-specific exercises, and team-based activities with simulation.