Transforming Patient Care Through ECMO Expertise

When I joined AACN, one of my first projects was improving our ECMO clinical resources. Month after month, ECMO remained one of the top-searched terms on our site, making it clear that critical care nurses needed more support. The potential of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to save lives is undeniable, but its complexity poses challenges for many organizations. Ensuring critical care teams have the specialized skills to use ECMO effectively is essential.

That’s why AACN developed a suite of ECMO resources, including:

• The ECMO Clinical Resources Page – A dedicated hub for evidence-based ECMO guidance
• The ECMO Micro-Credential – A validation of knowledge and skills for multidisciplinary teams
• The ECMO Online Course – Developed in partnership with The ECMO Institute, providing comprehensive education or clinical staff

Our goal is more than education — we want to empower clinicians to deliver this lifesaving therapy with confidence and precision.

What Makes ECMO Essential in Critical Care?

ECMO is an advanced form of life support that temporarily takes over heart and lung function, giving critically ill patients a chance to heal. Its use expanded significantly during the pandemic, but the expertise required to use ECMO safely remains a barrier for many healthcare facilities.

As one of the developers of AACN’s ECMO Micro-Credential, I’ve seen firsthand how structured education and validation of knowledge transform patient care. Teams with ECMO expertise improve outcomes and foster greater collaboration and trust in their units.

Introducing AACN’s ECMO Clinical Resources

AACN’s ECMO clinical resources are designed to meet the needs of healthcare organizations by offering:

• Comprehensive Education: Covering ECMO physiology, equipment management, patient selection and troubleshooting for a well-rounded understanding
• Evidence-Based Curriculum: Developed with leading ECMO experts to ensure alignment with the latest research and best practices
• Flexible Online Learning: Self-paced modules that integrate seamlessly into demanding clinical schedules
• Verification of Expertise: The ECMO Micro-Credential formally recognizes proficiency, signaling readiness to manage complex cases.

Why Organizations Should Invest in ECMO Education

For healthcare organizations, investing in ECMO education yields significant benefits:

• Enhanced Patient Outcomes: Knowledgeable teams can navigate ECMO complexities, reducing complications and increasing survival rates.
• Stronger Team Collaboration: ECMO requires a multidisciplinary approach, fostering communication between nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists and other healthcare personnel.
• Increased Operational Efficiency: Proper education minimizes errors, optimizes ECMO equipment usage and streamlines workflows.
• Institutional Prestige: Formal ECMO education positions an organization as a leader in critical care innovation, attracting top talent and instilling confidence in the care provided to patients and families.

Built by Experts, Designed for Teams

AACN collaborated with ECMO experts nationwide to validate specialty knowledge in caring for patients receiving lifesaving ECMO therapy while enhancing critical thinking and building confidence in clinical skills. Similarly, The ECMO Institute designed its course to reflect real-world challenges, incorporating case-based scenarios, interactive modules and assessments that prepare learners for high-pressure environments.

One participant shared, “The ECMO Micro-Credential validated my knowledge and boosted my confidence, knowing I am providing the best care possible.”

Invest in Lifesaving Expertise

AACN’s ECMO Micro-Credential, learning course and clinical resources are strategic investments in the future of critical care. Equipping teams with ECMO knowledge and skills ensures better patient outcomes, stronger team collaboration and a culture of excellence.

Transform your critical care team with AACN’s ECMO resources. Visit the ECMO webpage, or contact us to explore institutional education solutions.