Whether you’re just starting nurse anesthesia school, preparing for boards, or working full-time as a CRNA, having the right tools can make long clinical days more productive and less stressful.
Over the years, I’ve found that a few high-quality products consistently make studying easier, improve organization, and help me stay prepared in the operating room. Below are some of my favorite essentials. If you’re building your own collection, these are excellent places to start.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
1. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Long study sessions require focus. A quality pair of noise-canceling headphones can eliminate distractions whether you’re studying at home, in the library, or while traveling.
Recommended Amazon Links:
- Sony WH-1000XM6 https://amzn.to/4gx34li
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Apple AirPods Pro
2. iPad + Apple Pencil
Many SRNAs have completely replaced paper notes with digital note-taking. Apps like GoodNotes and Notability make organizing lecture notes incredibly simple.
Recommended Amazon Links:
- Apple iPad Air
- Apple Pencil Pro
- Paperlike Screen Protector
3. Portable External Monitor
A second screen dramatically improves productivity while studying pharmacology, physiology, and reviewing PowerPoint lectures.
Recommended Amazon Links:
- Arzopa Portable Monitor
- ASUS ZenScreen
4. Whiteboard for Active Recall
One of the highest-yield study techniques is writing concepts from memory instead of rereading notes.
Practice drawing:
- Cardiac physiology
- Gas laws
- Coagulation pathways
- Anesthetic machine diagrams
- Pharmacology charts
Recommended Amazon Links:
- Magnetic Dry Erase Whiteboard
- Fine Tip Dry Erase Markers
5. Badge Reference Cards
Having quick-reference anesthesia information available during clinicals can reduce stress and reinforce learning.
Look for cards covering:
- ACLS algorithms
- Vasopressor dosing
- Airway assessment
- Local anesthetics
- Emergency medications
I found these on Etsy. A great product from NurseAnesthesiaClub!
6. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Hours of screen time can contribute to eye fatigue and headaches.
A comfortable pair of blue-light glasses may make long evenings of studying more comfortable.
Recommended Amazon Links:
- Blue Light Blocking Glasses
- Anti-Glare Computer Glasses
7. Standing Desk
Alternating between sitting and standing during long study sessions helps reduce stiffness and improves comfort.
Recommended Amazon Links:
- FLEXISPOT Standing Desk
- Adjustable Electric Standing Desk
8. Ergonomic Office Chair
You’ll spend hundreds of hours studying.
Your back will thank you for investing in a quality chair.
Recommended Amazon Links:
- Herman Miller Aeron
- SIHOO Ergonomic Chair
- Branch Ergonomic Chair
9. Clinical Backpack
Your backpack becomes your mobile office.
Look for one with:
- Laptop compartment
- Tablet sleeve
- Water bottle pocket
- Plenty of organization
Recommended Amazon Links:
- SwissGear Backpack
- Matein Laptop Backpack
- Samsonite Business Backpack
10. Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration matters during long OR days.
Recommended Amazon Links:
- Stanley Quencher
- YETI Rambler
- Hydro Flask
11. Compression Socks
Many anesthesia providers spend hours standing in the operating room.
Compression socks may reduce fatigue during long shifts.
Recommended Amazon Links:
- Physix Compression Socks
- Niwzill Compression Socks
12. Insulated Coffee Mug
No CRNA survival kit is complete without coffee.
Recommended Amazon Links:
- YETI Rambler Mug
- Contigo Travel Mug
- Stanley Transit flipTop Mug
13. Portable Charger
Your phone is your calculator, drug reference, timer, and communication device.
Don’t let it die halfway through a call shift.
Recommended Amazon Links:
- Anker Power Bank
- INIU Portable Charger
14. Anatomy Model
Visual learners often benefit from physical anatomy models.
Great for reviewing:
- Airway anatomy
- Cardiac anatomy
15. My CRNA Study Bundle
If you’re preparing for the SEE Exam or National Certification Examination, my printable study resources were designed to simplify your preparation with:
- High-yield study checklists
- Drug sheets
- Daily study planner
- Exam trackers
- Printable flashcards
- Clinical reference pages
👉 Visit my Etsy shop to download the complete bundle. https://corybcrna.etsy.com
Final Thoughts
Success in nurse anesthesia school isn’t about buying every gadget—it’s about building systems that make learning more efficient.
Even adding one or two of these tools can improve your organization, reduce stress, and help you stay focused on what matters most: becoming a safe, knowledgeable anesthesia provider.
What’s in Your CRNA Bag?
I’d love to hear from you.
Leave a comment below:
What’s one piece of gear you couldn’t live without as an SRNA or CRNA?
CoryB CRNA 