If I Started Clinical All Over Again, Here is What I’d Do Differently 

If I started clinical all over again, I would prioritize tracking case numbers daily, learning names, and creating quick reference materials to stay organized and meet graduation requirements.

What Would I Do Differently If I Started Clinical All Over Again? 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.

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 setting up these tips ASAP!

How Can You Best Prepare for Clinicals in CRNA School?

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:

What Key Actions Do I Regret Not Taking During Clinicals?

• 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. Check out Ep 1: "What CRNA Schools are REALLY looking for in an applicant" (Spotify), Ep 2: "3 things I would have done differently BEFORE applying to CRNA school" (Spotify), and Ep 4: "CRNAs make HOW MUCH?!". For further learning, explore our free lessons on CRNA History, Types of Anesthesia, and Salary available at The CRNA Club.

For more information, check these trusted resources: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Our Final Thoughts

Remember, the journey to becoming a CRNA is filled with challenges, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can succeed. The CRNA Club is here to support you every step of the way.

For additional resources, access our How to Become a CRNA and CRNA School Requirements pages. Don't forget to check out our Free School Database at The CRNA Club.