Websites
How Equipment Works: This website is a beast! It includes a lot of information about how to get into CRNA school and a lot of great information about unique programs. Their searchable spreadsheet and interview guides are very helpful!
Virtual Anesthesia Machine: Several different virtual anesthesia machine simulations. Free registration required to access some of the simulations.
Clinical Mathematics: I used this document during my first semester for Principles of Anesthesia to understand math concepts and calculations. I highly recommend this document prior to starting CRNA school.
Open Anesthesia: This website has SO much information! When I'm looking up something anesthesia related, I literally google whatever I'm looking for + Open Anesthesia. Always double check this information and its sources.
Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AABI) Anesthesia Tutorial of the Week (ATOTW): This is an archive of documents that includes background information of the anesthesia management of different body systems plus they usually include review questions as well. This is a huge resource that covers general anesthesia, OB, Peds, Pain/Regional, ICU and Basic Sciences. Please be aware that there are different practices in the UK, however this is a great resource if you’re looking for a nice summary of information for each topic area.
Core Concepts Anesthesia Review: This is a review course, but I’m adding it as a website because you should do their Question of the Day every day!
iPhone/Android Applications
Vargo Anesthesia ($99 – sometimes on sale) - When I started CRNA school, this was the first app that I downloaded. Although it’s pretty pricey, it includes 17 apps in one, from Calculations, Crises, to Case Tips, CABG, Local Anesthetics, and Pediatrics. I particularly liked the case tips and drug box for pediatrics. It includes over 500 cases and for the drug box all you need is your patient's weight and it'll tell you the size equipment you need as well as dosages for nearly all the drugs you use and fluid calculations.
Prep ($29.99) - After the free version (74 questions). You can pay to have access to 500 questions with rationales. You don't need to be connected to the internet to use this app. I generally use this app for their QOTD. It tracks your progress and shows you what questions you've gotten wrong. They also have options to do a practice exam and to build your own exam but I haven't used those features yet.
Block Buddy ($14.99) - I love this app! It's a bit buggy at times, but this app saved my life multiple times during my regional anesthesia rotation. It contains over 20 different regional blocks (upper and lower) with full descriptions as well as video tutorials and treatment for LAST and non-opioid analgesics. In addition to that, it has descriptions of the blocks with the associated labeled ultrasound image. I honestly feel like it's a must-have for your regional rotation!
Airway Ex (Free) - This actually a cool game that allows you to virtually do a fiberoptic intubation. I play it when I’m bored! Anesthesia Comprehensive Review (Free for 10 questions, then $99) - I downloaded this app for the free 10 questions, but I was not paying $99 for the complete set of questions. You can see how other people have done on the questions and they also have a physical book.
Anesthesia Comprehensive Review (Free for 10 questions, then $99) - I downloaded this app for the free 10 questions, but I was not paying $99 for the complete set of questions. You can see how other people have done on the questions and they also have a physical book.
Gas Guide ($0.99) I personally have not used this app but heard great things about it! Let me know how it is!
Books
Dukes Anesthesia Secrets (Get this book on amazon! – Affiliate link) - I love this book! I used this book to prepare for my interview, and I have used it throughout school as a reference. I highly recommend this book. It’s an easy ready in question format. I will admit that it doesn’t cover EVERYTHING but it’s a great overview of the topics and questions you’ll be asked during your interview and school.
Watchful Care: History of Nurse Anesthetists: Wondering about where nurse anesthetists came from? This book is a great overview of the history of CRNAs. It Is dry at some points, but I think it’s a must have.
Simply Anesthesia - This book was written by a CRNA and is a wonderful pocket resource for clinical that’s easy to read and find information. They have every topic from ACLS to Pediatric Anesthesia with drug tables for each age range. I use this book at clinical frequently and to complete my care plans as they have anesthesia considerations for all types of surgeries.
Pocket Anesthesia (Get this handbook on amazon! Affiliate Link) - This is another great handbook for clinical! It fits easily into your scrub jacket pocket. Although the text is small, it’s a great resource to have. The binder portion can be a pain though. I’ve had this book accidentally not close all the way because the pages got stuck and fall apart as I was in the bathroom stall. Yikes.
What Was Not Necessarily Taught About Anesthesia - This book is full of practical advice for all areas of anesthesia. It’s funny, easy to read and I highly recommend new CRNAs to read this!
CRNA Board Review Courses
I did not go to Valley, but if you know someone with the “sweat book” or “memory master” borrow it! It’s a great supplement for class.
I used Apex Anesthesia for my board review and I 100% recommend it. It was a great comprehensive review and broke down some of the more challenging concepts. Also was a great supplement for class. I passed boards with the minimum number of questions using Apex Anesthesia.
Our school required to take prodigy exams throughout our program. Their Masterclass videos are extremely helpful.
Core Concepts has some pretty hard exams! I took their topic exams throughout school and one of the mock board exams. These exams actually give you a predictability report of your chances of passing the NCE.
Professional Websites
National Board of Certification & Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)
Diversity CRNA - Mentorship/CRNA preparation and airway workshops
Social Media Websites and Groups
Websites:
All Nurses - Somewhat outdated, can be a good forum if you’re looking for specific details for a school.
Fellow Student/CRNA Bloggers