Lifestyle Hacks to Streamline Your Life In CRNA School
Ashley, SRNA
SRNA
In This Article (4 sections)
Let’s be real, between back-to-back clinicals, endless didactic demands, care plans, exams, and the sheer mental load of keeping your life semi-functional, things in CRNA school can get chaotic fast. I learned quickly that the key to survival was to streamline everything possible!
Below are the lifestyle hacks that have truly saved me time, money, and stress during this wild time. Take what works for you, skip what doesn’t, but I promise even implementing a few of these can make a huge difference.
Quick Answer
Streamlining your life in CRNA school involves efficient meal prep, outsourcing tasks, and maintaining a structured schedule. The CRNA Club suggests using tools like shared calendars and meal delivery services to save time and reduce stress.
How Can You Make Meal Prep Manageable?
The last thing you need is decision fatigue at 8 p.m. after a 12-hour study day or clinical shift.
- Batch cook 1–2 times per week: Personally, I am *not* one who likes to cook. Simplify it as much as possible: protein + carb + veggie. Done.
- Use pre-cut veggies and frozen steamables. One of my absolute fav hacks. They save time and dishes.
- Grocery pickup is a game-changer. Saves SO much time and my favorites are already pre-loaded for me whenever I go to purchase a new order.
Don’t want to cook? Don’t! There’s no shame in outsourcing food when you're in survival mode. I personally did this for one of my busier clinical sites and LOVED the ease!
- Pre-made meal delivery: I love services like Factor, Tempo, or even local meal prep services (and these are usually cheaper than the big name companies!)
- Grocery delivery through Instacart or Amazon Fresh are other alternatives!
What Tasks Should You Outsource in CRNA School?
You can’t do everything. Your energy is precious in CRNA school, so preserve it where you can.
- Hire a dog walker or use Rover during long OR days. It eases the guilt and gives your pup some joy while you’re gone. I’ve loved my Rover walkers!
- Laundry service or house cleaning are other services I’ve seen SRNAs use. Whatever lightens your load! (pun intended)
- Don’t have time to hit the gym every day? Invest in a fitness app, a virtual trainer, or short at-home workouts. YouTube is also great for *free* workout routines!
Not sure where you stand as a CRNA applicant?
Find out exactly what gaps to focus on to strengthen your application.
How Does Structure Help Maintain Sanity in CRNA School?
Systems save you when your brain is full of induction meds, pathophys, and 4 a.m. alarms. Here’s what helps keep me on track:
- Use a shared Google Calendar: I color-code my life—clinical (red), assignments/exams (blue), social time (purple), workouts (orange). Sync it with your phone and never miss a beat. Extra hack: sync it with family members to get everyone on the same page.
- Set chore days and non-negotiable time with loved ones. Protect your joy and connections. You need them!
Why Should You Frontload Your Schoolwork?
If I could shout this from the rooftops, I would: GET YOUR CLASSROOM WORK DONE ASAP. Clinical days are draining, and trying to squeeze in assignments afterward feels like torture. Frontload your studying and homework early in the week or knock out tasks the same day they’re assigned. You’ll thank yourself later when your only job is to show up, intubate, and sleep.
Streamlining your life in CRNA school isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional. You've got this!
Resources like The CRNA Club can help you bridge the gap between ICU knowledge and OR readiness.
Ready for more tips on how to get into CRNA school? Check out our community here!
