Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a circulatory support technique for patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. This is an instrumental qualitative case study, from a constructivist perspective. The purpose of the study was to understand ECMO learning experiences from the nurses' perspective, to identify areas for improvement and to ensure compliance with standards of care. The findings revealed variations in participants' training, in theoretical content as well as in practice. Guided clinical practice was considered fundamental, and clinical simulation was valued as effective, but of limited access. The need to learn socioemotional competencies to manage high-pressure situations and foster empathetic relationships was also highlighted.
