If I Started Clinical All Over Again, Here is What I’d Do Differently
Ashley, SRNA
SRNA
As of January this year, I can finally say that I am a SENIOR, WOOT WOOT!! My program is front-loaded, and I am currently at my 4th clinical site/in my 4th clinical rotation (out of 7). My school has a mix of ACT, CAT, and Independent Practice sites, and now I have a total of 9 months of clinical experience under my belt, with some experience in each of these settings.
As I began reflecting on my clinical experience going into my senior year, I realized there were a few things I wish I had started from day one of clinical practice that I feel would have made my life easier moving forward…
So learn from my mistakes and start implementing these tips ASAP!
Quick Answer
If I started clinical all over again, I would focus on tracking case numbers daily, learning names, and creating quick reference materials. The CRNA Club suggests using tools like Typhon for tracking and emphasizes the importance of meeting COA minimums by graduation.
What Should You Do to Prepare for Clinicals?
Record case numbers and enter them in a tracking system each day
(my program uses Typhon)
Meet the COA minimums by graduation
Curious about what these numbers look like?
COA requirements can be found here
Here is a clearer example of what the minimum COA requirements are (green) and what my school prefers (blue)
During the first clinical rotation:
Daily care plans
Daily evaluations filled out by preceptor
Survive each day! (Lol)
While there is SO much going on during clinical, and even though it can be difficult sometimes to just make it through the day, these are some things I wish I had implemented earlier on to help set me up for success in the future:
Explore CRNA ProgramsWhat Actions Do I Regret Not Taking?
Researched a quick, simple pre-op sheet to use
→ @AtomicAnesthesia came out with a great one!! Find it here
Learned everyone’s names (and surgeon-specific preferences)
→ Write them down on your sheet each morning
Created a quick reference table with simple reminders/details for each case
→ Can do this in Word, Excel, on a Google Drive, or even in your Notes app!
Example tips:
It’s hard to re-reference documents in Typhon or re-look through care plans
SAVE AND LABEL your care plans by the procedure name! For quick reference in the future
You’ll start to pick up little things here and there:
- Arms tucked = 2nd IV
- Laparoscopic = OGT
- Prone (and any other time the head is away from you) = ETT extender elbow
Started a Clinical Pearls document
→ Write down anything interesting you learned from your preceptor (that you didn’t learn in school), could be ANYTHING
→ Example:
Created a “Firsts” Sheet for commemorative purposes and to celebrate my little wins!
→ Example:
→ Mini champagne bottles and chalk pens would also be a super cute idea
Created a Journal Page for those really tough days
→ What would you have done differently? What did you learn?
Take more pictures!!
→ Accounts I love to see on IG: Nali, Kate, Paul, etc.
While each site is different, my approach to each one has been the same, STAY OPEN-MINDED!
Hopefully these little tips and tricks help you stay motivated and on track during clinical 💪
How Hard is CRNA School Really?For more in-depth guidance, don’t forget to listen to The CRNA Club Podcast. Your future as a CRNA depends on your professionalism, make sure you stand out for all the right reasons!
Why We Love Being CRNAsResources like The CRNA Club can help you bridge the gap between ICU knowledge and OR readiness.
