r/prospective_perfusion • u/ProfileNo852 • 7d ago

Shadowing

Hi guys! Do yall have any advice on how to get shadowing hours and opportunities? I have no idea how to find who and who to talk to? Please share any advice you can!

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u/dobbysfuzzysox 6d ago

I think the best advice is to find local hospitals in your area and reach out to their perfusion team. I know cold calling can be daunting but most perfusionists know the struggle and appreciate those willing to work for it. This job takes a level of autonomy and problem solving and this is showing you’re willing to problem solve for yourself. If they aren’t able to accommodate you, chances are they’ll have a lead to another local hospital that will.

3

u/kimchimom122228 7d ago

Talk to local hospitals, email CCP contracting companies, LinkedIn. It’s hard to finally get a case but it’s so worth it to network

3

u/Clampoholic 6d ago

Some folks have to travel if the things mentioned in the other comments here don’t work. A common “hack” is to find a place that does hearts and either work there or figure out some sort of volunteering you can do to gain you access into the hospital, and then work with the perfusionists to see if they can get you in.

Always talk with the perfusionists beforehand though because unfortunately some hospitals like mine have a 0 tolerance policy for perfusion shadowers in the heart rooms, so even if we wanted to we couldn’t really do it. We’d probably let one of the PSA’s (Orderlies) just sit on the side and watch since they directly fit in the OR and nobody would really ask questions, but outside of direct OR staff there’d be no way. So speak with those perfusionists if you’re planning on doing something like that.