Stress-Free Moving: How to Work through CRNA Clinical Rotations Every 3 Months

Stress-free moving during CRNA clinical rotations is achievable by planning ahead, choosing the right housing, and using resources like The CRNA Club for support.

Working through CRNA clinical rotations every 3 months can be stress-free with proper planning. The CRNA Club suggests choosing secure housing options like Furnished Finder, prioritizing proximity to clinical sites, and seeking advice from prior cohorts to make sure a smooth transition. If you want a deeper dive into what programs are looking for and how to stand out, we actually talked about this on the podcast (Ep 1: "What CRNA Schools are REALLY looking for in an applicant" on Apple Podcasts).

Moving for clinical can be a daunting experience. However, it doesn’t have to be! Follow these steps to make your clinical rotation housing and transition smooth and stress-free:

How Do You Find Housing for CRNA Rotations?

Decide between Furnished Finder and Airbnb based on your needs. Personally, I’m Team Furnished Finder (FF). It’s cheaper, offers actual leases (hello, peace of mind!), and feels like a more secure option.

That said, I’ve heard of folks using Airbnb and scoring big with travel points by booking with their credit cards. Consider factors like cost, lease terms, and whether you want to earn travel points. Look into potential connections at the hospital to find insider housing deals. If you’re new to the profession, our Learning Library has a lesson called Profession Overview which can help you get oriented before you move.

What Should You Prioritize for Clinical Rotation Housing?

Choose a place close to your clinical site to avoid long commutes. Make sure the area is safe, especially if it’s your first time in the city. If possible, check out the site in person before signing any leases.

Some people book a night or two in a hotel first to scope out potential areas. Thankfully I have gotten super lucky and have found great places without seeing them first. If you do this, I highly recommend scheduling a phone call/FaceTime with the owner/renter to make sure you are actually getting what the listing states!

Decide if you prefer a solo setup or roommates for peace of mind. Personally, having my own space was worth the extra cost. If you’re curious about the different types of anesthesia you might encounter in your clinicals, the CRNA History + Types of Anesthesia lesson is a great resource.

How Can CRNA Students Help With Clinical Housing?

Reach out to people who’ve been in your program for their housing recommendations. Learn from their experiences to avoid potential pitfalls. This can look like avoiding bad areas and/or less than professional renters. And if you’re wondering what you could have done differently before applying, I shared some of my own lessons learned in Ep 2: "3 things I would have done differently BEFORE applying to CRNA school" on Apple Podcasts.

How Should You Prepare for Your First Clinical Day?

Do a trial drive to your clinical site before your first day. Familiarize yourself with parking and the main entrance. this really helps me minimize stress and first day jitters!

How Can You Pack Smart for Your CRNA Clinical Move?

Keep it minimal! Focus on essentials like seasonal clothes and conference outfits. Leave decor at home. most rentals have kitchen supplies and the basics covered.

How Do You Explore New Areas During CRNA Rotations?

Use Instagram to find local events, foodie spots, and gyms. This has been my favorite way to scope out new areas! I like to look up run/walk clubs, farmer’s markets, breweries, etc. Usually, once you find one good account, others will start to pop up as well. Look for activities that match your hobbies to stay balanced during rotations. For me, this looked like finding OrangeTheory gyms nearby or dance studios where I could do drop-in classes.

Why Start Packing Early for CRNA Rotations?

Begin packing at the start of the month before your move. I know, as soon as you feel settled in, you’re going to be packing again! It’s all part of the experience.

I like to stay on top of packing throughout that last month instead of trying to cram it all in at the end after I’m already exhausted from the last 3 months. Staying organized helps avoid last-minute chaos and gives you time to enjoy the process. If you’re thinking about the financial side of being a CRNA, we broke down salaries in Ep 4: "CRNAs make HOW MUCH?!" on Apple Podcasts, and there’s also a full Salary lesson in the Learning Library.

With these steps, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth clinical rotation experience. For more insights, check out our guide on the challenges of CRNA school or explore CRNA programs available. You might also find our school comparison tool helpful. For authoritative information on CRNA certification, visit the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists or learn more about the profession at the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

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

Our Final Thoughts

Stress-free moving is all about preparation and being proactive. Embrace the adventure that comes with each new rotation!