What I Did Before CRNA School to Set Myself Up for Success

I remember feeling SO many emotions when I found out I was accepted to CRNA school! Elated, nervous, excited, and... stressed. How am I going to do this?! I’m a girl who *always* needs a plan.

Here’s a list about what you can do now to set yourself up for success, so you aren’t starting CRNA school already in panic mode.

How Did I Get My Financial Life Together Before CRNA School?

Before school, I found a financial advisor who helped me navigate the “how will I pay for this?” question that haunts all of when we see our tuition bill.

We:

1. Discussed savings goals (yes, you need some),
2. Calculated expected loan disbursements (cue mild nausea),
3. Created quarterly budgets so I didn’t completely throw everything out the window.

Also, I paid off all consumer debt (credit cards, car loans, etc.). Because I didn’t want to worry about paying any more possible interest considering the amount that will be accumulating with my loan disbursements.

Why Should You Apply for Medicaid Early?

I lost my insurance when I walked away from my job and knew I needed to get on this STAT. Applying for Medicaid can take time, and you don’t want to be sorting out paperwork when you’re studying volatile anesthetics. Research what the limits are for your state, which documents you need, etc. and give yourself some time to seek out other insurance options if Medicaid isn’t available to you.

How Did I Learn to Study Effectively for CRNA School?

I knew my nursing school ways of studying (rewriting my notes over and over again into oblivion) were not going to cut it for CRNA school. So, I sought out some new study techniques:

1. Spaced repetition (Anki is your new bestie)
2. Binge-watched Ali Abdaal’s YouTube for productivity hacks (because procrastination but make it educational)

There may be some trial and error in the beginning once classes start, but at least you’ll have an idea of what resources are at your disposal!

What Tech Essentials Did I Buy Before CRNA School?

Before school, I got:

1. A solid laptop (thankfully my MacBook still ran like a champ),
2. An iPad for handwritten notes,
3. A larger computer monitor for reviewing lectures,
4. A whiteboard

Trust me, your future stressed self will thank you.

How Did I Prepare My Family and Friends for My CRNA Journey?

I sat down with family and friends to:

1. Set realistic expectations about my availability,
2. Explain that no, I can’t come to every brunch (despite desperately always wanting to)
3. Emphasize that I will still love them, but my phone may live on Do Not Disturb.

This reduced guilt later and protected relationships.

Why Is Moving Early Important If You're Relocating for CRNA School?

If you’re relocating for school, start your housing search EARLY. I moved about a month before classes started, which gave me time to:

1. Get settled,
2. Find the best coffee shops (priority),
3. Learn how to get to school without GPS.

Pro tip: Use Furnished Finder, Airbnb monthly stays, or connect with past grads/current CRNAs for housing leads. They often know the best, quiet, safe places near campus or clinical sites.

Prepping before CRNA school makes everything safer and smoother when things get real. 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!

For more information on CRNA programs, visit CRNA Programs. To understand the requirements, check out CRNA School Requirements. Plan your application timeline with our CRNA School Application Timeline.

Use our School Comparison Tool to evaluate different programs, and our Certification Planner to keep track of your certifications.