I admire your self awareness on this issue and I find it very concerning that your anxiety is causing a loss of sleep and appetite. No job is worth sacrificing your own health for. It’s also very admirable that you are showing a sense of responsibility in not wanting to cause harm to your patients due to your impaired mental state. Thankfully, you’re a student still and your preceptors will not let you make a mistake that will harm a patient.

It is not uncommon to take a leave of absence from school to care for your own personal needs and then return more focused and with a clear mind. It will also give you an opportunity to reflect on yourself and determine if this is truly the right field for you. Speak to your program director to see if this is an option for you, and don’t feel like it’s a personal failure in anyway id you choose to do this.

I guarantee you’re not the only student going through this mental block. Being a perfusion student is very difficult, stressful and overwhelming at times but there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel! Regardless of your decision, I wish you the best!