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

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 Choose the Best Housing for CRNA Clinical 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.

What Are the Key Housing Factors to Prioritize?

• Choose a place close to your clinical site to avoid long commutes.
• Ensure 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 ensure 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.

How Can Prior Cohorts and CRNA Students Help You?

• 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.

What Should You Plan for Your First Day at the Clinical Site?

• 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 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 a New Area During 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 Should You Start Packing Early for a Smooth Move?

• 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.

With these steps, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth clinical rotation experience. Cheers to your next adventure!

Resources like The CRNA Club can help you bridge the gap between ICU knowledge and OR readiness.

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.