From Distracted to Dialed-In: My ADHD Survival Guide for CRNA School
Jordan, SRNA
SRNA
In This Article (4 sections)
Yes, it is possible to survive CRNA school with ADHD by using the right strategies and mindset. ADHD does not have to be a barrier to your success in this demanding program!
✨Starting CRNA school with ADHD? You’re probably wondering, “How the HECK am I gonna survive didactic.? ”. If you’re like me, you might have been diagnosed with ADHD later in life, and spent years thinking you were just a “bad student”.
Well, I’m here to tell you two things: 1.) you 100% are most certainly meant to be in CRNA school, and 2.) it IS possible to have ADHD and still get through CRNA school! If you have doubts about this, it might be time to shift your mindset. Surviving CRNA school with ADHD is possible with the right strategies.
ADHD is not the biggest barrier to your success, you’ve got this! ‼️ And just a disclaimer: this guide is not medical advice or a diagnostic tool. It’s meant to complement your existing ADHD treatment plan and offer support from someone who gets how tough it can be to stay focused in a demanding program like CRNA school! Here are some things I did to shift myself into first gear to help me succeed through didactic as a student with ADHD!
Quick Answer
ADHD does not prevent success in any of the 154 CRNA programs tracked by The CRNA Club. The most effective strategy is identifying your learning style before classes start, then building study routines designed for how your brain actually processes CRNA-level material rather than recycling undergrad habits.
Can Your Learning Style Help You Succeed in CRNA School?
Take a learning style quiz 💭 There are tons of free quizzes online to help you understand how you learn best. One of our professors had us take one the first week, and it made a big difference for me. Even if you think you’ve got it figured out, CRNA school is on a whole new level.
CRNA school learning ≠ undergrad learning! Knowing your learning style can help you tweak your study habits to actually work with your brain, not against it. If you want a bigger picture of the anesthesia profession and how it all fits together, our Learning Library has a lesson called Profession Overview that’s a great place to start.
Explore different CRNA programs. If you’re still in the research phase, check out our CRNA School Requirements guide to compare prerequisites and see what each program is looking for.
How Do You Manage ADHD in CRNA School?
Sit in the front row! 👨🏻💻 Your phone = your biggest distraction. Social media, YouTube, texts, anything is more appealing than lung physiology 🥲. Sitting up front keeps you more accountable and focused. You’re literally in your professor’s line of sight. It’s not about looking like a star student, it’s about staying present!
Active Note Taking ✍️ Again, this may work better for those who are more kinesthetic learners, but I encourage you to find out what your learning style is! If you’re a kinesthetic learner (like me), passive listening won’t cut it. I need to write, whether it’s doodling, highlighting, or scribbling notes on the slides. It keeps my hands busy and my brain engaged. For content-heavy classes (like A&P), I switch to typing during lecture to keep up with the pace. Either way, movement = focus.
Discover how challenging CRNA school can be. If you want to know more about the history of the profession and the different types of anesthesia you’ll encounter, the CRNA History + Types of Anesthesia lesson in our Learning Library is a solid resource.
What Study Tips Actually Work for ADHD in CRNA School?
Re-listening to lectures at 2x speed! ⏳ ADHD means your brain might wander mid-conversation (or mid-lecture) without warning. Replaying lectures at double speed helps me fill in gaps without losing focus, or my sanity! 🙃
Pomodoro Timers ⏱️ My attention span is SHORT! ⏰ Pomodoro timers break studying into bite-sized sessions (typically 25 mins of work & 5 min breaks). It keeps me structured without burning out! I use Flow on my Mac. 10/10 recommend!
Move Your Body! 🏃🏻♂️ Investing in a walking pad was a big deal during didactic. I can’t sit still for more than 30 minutes, so walking while going through Anki cards made studying way more doable. It keeps your body moving and your brain engaged, win-win! 🙂↕️ If a walking pad isn’t an option, find any way to incorporate movement into your study routine!
Find a Change of Scenery! 🪴 Total silence? 🤫 Not for me! I need background noise and a little stimulation to stay engaged. That’s why I study in cafés 90% of the time, cold air (OR prep!), steady foot-traffic, and uncomfortable chairs (posture perks?). It works way better than my nap-prone bedroom setup!
Compare CRNA schools with our free tool. If you’re mapping out your path to becoming a CRNA, our How to Become a CRNA guide walks you through each step, from requirements to application tips.
✨ I want to emphasize that these tips are what helped me – someone with ADHD – work through the toughest parts of didactic in CRNA school. They’re meant to supplement your existing plan, not replace it. If you feel you need additional support or accommodations, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s disability services.
✨ ultimately, half the battle is your mindset and dedication. Ready to learn more about the CRNA profession, hot topics, and issues we face? We’ve got resources and videos for you inside The CRNA Club Membership! If you’re curious about earning potential, the Salary lesson in our Learning Library covers what to expect as a CRNA.
For more information, check these trusted resources: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Our Final Thoughts
If you’re gearing up for CRNA school and have ADHD, know that you’re not alone. With the right strategies and support, you can thrive in this demanding environment.
