Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Mastering the Intricacies of Lifesaving ECMO Care

Caring for critically ill patients often requires the use of complex therapies such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This life-support modality mechanically oxygenates the blood of patients whose lungs are unable to do so while they heal from acute cardiovascular/pulmonary injuries and/or interventions.

ECMO therapy requires specialized training and knowledge expertise to implement safely and effectively. AACN offers an array of resources to support you in providing the best possible care for patients undergoing ECMO therapy.

Key ECMO Clinical Resources

Keeping up with the latest evidence-based practices is essential for the safe care of patients receiving ECMO therapy. Our featured ECMO clinical resources help you stay current on this intricate form of life support so you can provide optimal care for your patients.

Demystifying ECMO: Patient Selection and Nursing Priorities

Deepen your knowledge of basic ECMO principles and your role in navigating care for patients on ECMO.

Early Mobility Improved ECMO Outcomes

This study gauges the impact of interprofessional early mobility on survival rates for ARDS patients on ECMO.

ELSO Publications & Resources

Access key publications for ECMO specialists, including the ELSO Red Book, ECMO training manuals, and resources on resuscitative ECMO.

AACN and The Institute for Extracorporeal Life Support Present – The ECMO Course

In this online course, clinicians gain the comprehensive knowledge and understanding of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) needed to care for critically ill patients with severe heart and lung failure.

Take the Course

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Micro-Credential

Implementing ECMO support safely and effectively requires specialized training and expertise. Validate your specialty knowledge in caring for critically ill patients receiving this life-saving therapy by earning AACN’s Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Micro-Credential.

Explore the Micro-Credential

Personal Perspectives: Caring for Patients on ECMO

Gain insight and get ideas for your own practice from the personal experiences of nurses and healthcare professionals caring for patients on ECMO.

Finding New Life Through ECMO

An ECMO nurse practitioner shares her perspective on the risks of conventional care and intervening with ECMO therapy.

Explore

Evolving From ECMO RNs to APRN Leaders

Podcast guests Rachel Sterling and Bradford Anderson discuss their journey from bedside ECMO nurses to APRN leaders.

Explore

My Evolution as an RRT ECMO Specialist

Read this respiratory therapist’s blog about working as a united team when caring for patients on ECMO.

Explore

ECMO nursing is not about how to run the device; it’s about understanding the physiology of the patient and how implementation of the device affects that physiology.
Jenny Sinclair, MSN, RN, CCRN-CSC-CMC, E-AEC, ECMO Coordinator

Additional Resources

Access AACN’s full collection of educational content on caring for patients receiving ECMO therapy. This compilation includes information designed to support and enhance your ECMO nursing practice.