Well...so far I'm amazed at the idea that what we spent time on in lab and class is actually applied in our rotations, just like they said it would be. There will always be little differences between perfusionists, hospitals, groups, etc, so be prepared for that. My notebooks have been filling up, and its only week two. Advice - write everything down, refer back often to those notes - especially write down things specific to what each of your preceptors want for set up/prime, it will get you on all of their good sides. Be prepared to stay until the wee hours of the morning when a valve doesn't go in right, to go off pump, feel like you're going home soon, then crash back on pump, the trick is to always be prepared, stay positive and professional, never express how frustrated you are that a surgery isn't going the way you want, or that you have something better to be doing than saving a life. When, not if, but when you get yelled at, smile under your mask, it's not personal, so don't take it personal. Spectrum has 8 male perfusionists, all of whom have been perfusionists for at least 15 years, they are a wealth of information and all will give you different reasons for doing what they do - don't argue that one of their colleagues has a better idea, just write it down and decide if it's a good enough reason for you...all of which Dawn has told us to do for the last 9 months, find what works for you and be consistent. I like my site, Spectrum is so beautiful, and the surgeons and staff are wonderful...so far so good.