Make the Most of Your Break
Consider this your last hurrah for a while. Before diving into your studies, have some well-deserved relaxation. Spend time with loved ones, travel, pursue hobbies – whatever makes you happy and helps you return to school ready to learn.
Embrace Mistakes
Perfusion school throws a lot of information your way, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure sometimes. Ask questions, and don’t feel embarrassed if you don’t know something. Every mistake is a valuable learning experience. Brush it off, learn from it, and move on with confidence.
Prioritize Self-Care
A well-rested perfusionist is a great perfusionist. Burnout is real in any demanding field, so getting enough sleep is crucial for learning, focus, and emotional well-being. Don’t feel guilty about prioritizing sleep and activities that bring you joy outside of perfusion.
You are Equal to All of Your Classmates
Perfusion school is a team effort. While everyone strives for excellence, there is no need for unhealthy competition. You all want to become skilled perfusionists, and you all got into the same school. Support your classmates, share resources, and learn from each other. A strong network built in school will help you throughout your career.
Work on Hand Strength and Dexterity
Perfusion requires manipulation of tubing, clamps, and connectors. Consider these exercises to improve your hand dexterity.
- Finger isolation: Hold your hand flat on a table, palm down. Slowly lift each finger individually as high as comfortable, hold for a second, and then lower. Repeat with all fingers and then try lifting them in different combinations.This targets individual finger control.
- Make a fist: Clench your hand into a tight fist, hold for a few seconds, and then slowly release. Repeat this 10-15 times.This strengthens the grip strength needed for manipulating surgical instruments.
- Rubber band stretches: Wrap a rubber band around your fingers at the base. Gently spread your fingers apart against the resistance of the band, hold for a few seconds, and then relax. Repeat 10-15 times. This exercise strengthens the muscles that open your hand.
You can do all of these exercises while you watch a movie on the couch, while you’re listening to lectures, or even while you wait in line.
Sharpen Your Foundation
The heart is your future playground as a perfusionist, so getting to know its intricate anatomy will be a great head start. Understanding the heart’s structure, chambers, valves, and blood flow will give you a solid foundation for grasping more complex perfusion concepts later.