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.
Meal Prep, But Make It 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.Â
- 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.Â
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!)Â
- Grocery delivery through Instacart or Amazon Fresh are other alternatives!
Outsource What You Can
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!
Structure = Sanity (Especially for those of us who are type A *wink*)
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.Â
- Set chore days and non-negotiable time with loved ones. Protect your joy and connections. You need them!
Pro Tip: 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!Â
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