1042 - P202 Complex Cardiac

Overview/Abstract:
This 1.5-hour course, accredited by ANCC, California Board of Registered Nursing, and AEU (1.0 CH), targets perioperative Registered Nurses and Surgical Technologists new to complex cardiac surgery, focusing on urgent/emergent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and thoracic aortic aneurysm procedures. Developed with Subject Matter Experts, the course addresses a critical practice gap: lack of specialized knowledge and confidence in high-acuity cardiac settings, which can compromise patient safety. Learners will explore cardiac anatomy, indications for urgent/emergent procedures, and safe perioperative practices, including equipment setup, cannulation, and workflow management. The course includes interactive case studies, knowledge checks with immediate feedback, and virtual reality simulations (e.g., PeriopSim for ECMO cannulation). Upon completion, 80% of participants will identify three key steps for safe cannulation and demonstrate confidence in ECMO and aneurysm procedure workflows. Content aligns with AORN Guidelines (2023) and peer-reviewed evidence, ensuring clinical relevance. Additional resources include Emory orientation checklists (pending approval) and a glossary of key terms. The course employs learner engagement strategies like real-world scenarios and posttests with rationale to reinforce learning. Future expansions may include heart failure management and additional thoracic surgeries based on learner feedback. This course equips perioperative professionals with the skills to deliver safe, competent care in complex cardiac surgery settings.