Nurses’ experience in caring for families of children on extracorporeal circulation: links and challenges

Objective This study aims to understand nurses’ perceptions of their role in supporting the families of pediatric patients undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. Methods This is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory research, the participants mostly come from public institutions in the city of São Paulo. Data collection occurred through semi-structured interviews carried out with 14 nurses with a minimum experience of 6 months and completed in the first half of 2024. The data were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. The data were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. Results Nurses reported that caring for the child and their family during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation treatment is challenging, requiring a balance between the patient’s technical needs and the family’s emotional support. Clear communication and empathy are essential to building trust, reducing family members’ anxiety, and ensuring their involvement in the care process. However, challenges such as emotional overload, the need for continuous training, and managing conflicts with difficult families were also highlighted. Conclusion The results indicate that, for effective care, nurses require specialized training not only in technical skills but also in emotional support to manage the complexities of intensive care. Continuous presence and support for families are critical in alleviating suffering and strengthening the bond between them and the healthcare team. The study underscores the importance of the nurse in the ECMO context, not only in patient care but also in providing essential support to families, considering the emotional and technical challenges of this therapy.