eISSN 2097-6046
ISSN 2096-7446
CN 10-1655/R
Responsible Institution:China Association for Science and Technology
Sponsor:Chinese Nursing Association

Chinese Journal of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing ›› 2026, Vol. 7 ›› Issue (4): 440-446.doi: 10.3761/j.issn.2096-7446.2026.04.008

• Special Planning——Training and Management of Emergency and Critical Care Nurses • Previous Articles     Next Articles

A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on nursing experiences of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation nurses

MA Na1(), CHEN Xufeng2, CHEN Feng1, ZHANG Yangchun1, JI Xueli2,*()   

  1. 1 Emergency Departmentthe First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 210029, China
    2 Department of Emergency Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 210029, China
  • Received:2025-05-06 Online:2026-04-10 Published:2026-04-02
  • Contact: JI Xueli E-mail:mn1340414@163.com;365785102@qq.com
  • Supported by:
    2024 “Open Bidding for Key Tasks” Project of Hospital Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Innovation(JBGS202412)

Abstract:

Objective To systematically evaluate and synthesize qualitative studies on the nursing experiences of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) nurses,aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for the high-quality development of ECMO nursing practice in China. Methods Computerized searches were conducted across PubMed,Web of Science,the Cochrane Library,Embase,CINAHL,CNKI,Wanfang Database,VIP Database,and the China Biology Medicine disc(CBM) to identify qualitative studies on the nursing experiences of ECMO nurses,from the inception of each database until March 18,2025. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute(JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Findings from the primary studies were synthesized using meta-aggregation. Results Seven studies were included,yielding 43 themes. These themes were grouped into 10 categories,culminating in 4 synthesized findings:experiences and uncertainties of ECMO nurses,challenges and dilemmas,deficiencies in support systems and support expectations,professional development and growth gains. Conclusion The demanding and highly specialized nature of ECMO nursing imposes unprecedented psychological stress and experiences of burnout on nurses. Simultaneously,it facilitates their professional growth and gains. To enhance ECMO nurses’ sense of professional identity and promote high-quality development in the specialty,future ECMO nursing practice requires managers to continuously improve nurses’ social support systems. This should include providing psychological counseling support services from multiple dimensions such as emotional support,information support and tool support,diversified training and professional development platforms,opportunities for multidisciplinary communication and collaboration,and effective incentive mechanisms.

Key words: ECMO, Nurse, Nursing Experience, Qualitative Research, Meta-Synthesis