Programs

What’s in My Clinical Bag

A

Ashley, CRNA

CRNA

· Updated · 4 min read
What’s in My Clinical Bag
In This Article (3 sections)

So, what’s in my clinical bag? The essentials include a stethoscope, pens, mini notebooks, a badge, scrub cap, phone charger, and pocket snacks to keep you prepared and efficient during your rotations. These items make sure you’re ready for anything clinicals throw your way.

So, you’ve officially entered the magical (and slightly terrifying) world of clinicals, welcome!! While I wish I could package up coffee and willpower and keep them both on me at all times, here are the more practical items I actually carry in my clinical bag. Quick Answer: In your clinical bag, include essentials like a stethoscope, pens, and snacks.

The CRNA Club suggests a budget-friendly stethoscope to avoid losses. Stay prepared with these items for a successful clinical experience. Side note: I am that girl that wears a fanny pack to clinical… all of these items could easily fit on your person in your pockets if you aren’t the bag type!

What Essential Items Should Be in My Clinical Bag?

1. Stethoscope Let’s start with the classic, tried and true stethoscope. My advice? Don’t bring your $300 Littman cardiology edition unless you want to feel your soul leave your body the moment you realize it’s gone. Been there, mourned that. Grab a solid, inexpensive one that won’t make you spiral into an existential crisis if it goes MIA on day 3. (True story)

2. GOOD Pens & Sharpies These are sacred. Sharpie S-GEL, TUL, and thin-tipped Sharpies are my jam. If you’re paper charting, nothing is worse than a pen that skips or smudges. And Sharpies? Absolute must for labeling meds. (And keep multiple, because you will inevitably lose one).

3. Mini notebooks You’re going to want to write down everything. Trust me. From case log information to random clinical pearls, you’re going to want an easy place to reference it all (and so you’re not always looking at your phone). I stock up at Dollar Tree, Daiso, or Target before the start of each clinical rotation (I usually fill up at least 1 per site, which for me is every 3 months!)

4. Badge Duh! Don’t forget to grab a badge buddy from Atomic Anesthesia for quick drug references. (Again, lifesaver so you’re not always looking at your phone!)

5. Scrub Cap Here is where the fun starts. Whether you're going for skulls, florals, or cats in space, let your personality show.

6. Phone Charger Okay okay so you’ll use your phone a decent amount (despite clinical training always saying we should never be on our phones). Your phone = access to anesthesia apps, drug references, and texts from your preceptor. Keep it charged. Keep it close. Bonus points if you have a smartwatch that you can easily check.

7. Pocket Snacks Protein bars. Almonds. Energy packets. Whatever keeps you from becoming a hangry hazard in the OR. You won’t always have time for a full lunch, but you will have 30 seconds in PACU to inhale something vaguely nutritious.

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What Apps Are Essential for Clinicals?

- Vargo Anesthesia & Co-existing Disease, Your preceptor asks about max local anesthetic dosing for your patient? Boom. Vargo. - AnsoPro, Such detailed images and quick and dirty notes for USG blocks. - Safe Local, Know your max doses without doing the math mid-draw. - Pedi Crisis, Because tiny humans are not just small adults, and everything is weight-based. - ASRA Coags, Regional blocks + anticoags = chaos without this app. - UpToDate, Only if you’ve got access, but it’s the holy grail for evidence-based answers on the fly.

For more information on CRNA programs, visit our CRNA School Requirements page or check out the best CRNA schools to find the right fit for you. If you're deciding between a DNP and DNAP, our DNP vs. DNAP guide can help. For certification planning, use our certification planner to stay on track.

Our Final Thoughts

Having the right items in your clinical bag can make all the difference during your rotations. Stay organized, be prepared, and let your personality shine through! For even more tips, check out our podcast episodes:

- Ep 1: "What CRNA Schools are REALLY looking for in an applicant" listen here - Ep 2: "3 things I would have done differently BEFORE applying to CRNA school" listen here - Ep 6: "5 signs CRNA school is right for YOU" listen here

For more resources, visit The CRNA Club!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CRNA programs are there in the US?

There are approximately 140 accredited nurse anesthesia programs in the United States, offering either DNP or DNAP degrees. You can compare all of them in our free CRNA School Database.

How do I choose the right CRNA program?

Consider location, tuition, NCE pass rates, class size, clinical rotation sites, and admission requirements. Our School Database lets you filter and compare all 140+ programs by these criteria.

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