Whether you’re just starting to think about CRNA school or you’re already deep into clinicals, having the right tools and resources makes all the difference. Below you’ll find the books, gear, courses, and tools that I personally recommend — many of which I used throughout my own journey to becoming a Nurse Anesthetist.
Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I genuinely believe in. You can read my full Affiliate Disclaimer here.
CRNA School Application & Prep
Getting into CRNA school is competitive, and preparation is everything. These are the resources that will help you build a strong application, ace the GRE, earn your CCRN, and feel confident walking into your interview.
GRE Prep
Magoosh GRE Prep — An affordable, highly-rated online GRE prep course with video lessons, practice questions, and score predictions. Great for nurses who are working full-time and need a flexible study schedule.
ETS Official GRE Super Power Pack — Straight from the test makers. Includes the Official GRE Guide, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning practice books. This is the most reliable source for realistic practice questions.
CCRN Certification Review
Barron’s CCRN Exam Review — A comprehensive review book that covers everything you need to pass the CCRN. It includes practice exams and detailed answer explanations. Many CRNA programs require or strongly prefer CCRN certification before admission.
Pass CCRN! by Robin Dennison — Another excellent CCRN review resource with a clear, organized approach to the material. Pair it with the Barron’s book for thorough coverage.
Interview Prep
The CRNA school interview can make or break your application. Practice answering common questions about why you want to be a CRNA, your ICU experience, and how you handle high-pressure situations. I’ll be putting together a dedicated CRNA Interview Prep Guide soon — stay tuned.
Books Every Aspiring CRNA Should Own
These are the textbooks and reference books that will carry you from ICU nursing through CRNA school and into clinical practice.
Core CRNA Textbooks
Nurse Anesthesia by Nagelhout & Elisha — This is the gold standard CRNA textbook. If you only buy one book, make it this one. It covers pharmacology, physiology, anatomy, and anesthesia principles in depth. Most CRNA programs use this as their primary text.
Clinical Anesthesia by Barash, Cullen & Stoelting — A comprehensive anesthesia reference used by both CRNAs and anesthesiologists. More detailed than Nagelhout in some areas, making it a great companion text.
Stoelting’s Pharmacology and Physiology in Anesthetic Practice — An essential pharmacology reference. Understanding drug interactions and physiology is critical in anesthesia, and this book breaks it down clearly.
Supplemental Reading
Morgan & Mikhail’s Clinical Anesthesiology — A well-organized clinical reference that’s great for quick reviews before cases. Many students use this alongside Nagelhout.
The ICU Book by Paul Marino — If you’re still in the ICU building your experience before CRNA school, this book is a must-have. It covers critical care medicine in a way that’s approachable and thorough.
Clinical Gear & OR Essentials
You’ll spend thousands of hours in the operating room during CRNA school and throughout your career. Having comfortable, reliable gear makes a real difference in your day-to-day life.
Stethoscopes
Littmann Classic III Stethoscope — The workhorse stethoscope you’ll see in nearly every ICU and OR. Excellent acoustics, durable build, and comfortable to wear all day. A solid choice for both ICU nursing and CRNA school.
Littmann Cardiology IV — If you want to step up from the Classic III, the Cardiology IV offers superior acoustics, especially for cardiac assessments. Many CRNAs prefer this model for its ability to pick up subtle heart and lung sounds.
Scrubs
FIGS Scrubs — Premium scrubs that are incredibly comfortable for long OR days. They’re antimicrobial, wrinkle-resistant, and actually look good. Once you try FIGS, it’s hard to go back to hospital-issued scrubs.
Cherokee Scrubs — A more budget-friendly option that still holds up well through countless washes. Cherokee has been a trusted name in medical scrubs for decades.
OR Shoes
Dansko Professional Clogs — The classic OR shoe. Excellent arch support, slip-resistant, and built to handle long days on your feet. Many healthcare professionals swear by Danskos for a reason.
Calzuro Classic Clogs — A lightweight, autoclavable alternative to Danskos. Easy to clean (important when you’re in the OR all day), comfortable, and available in a variety of colors.
Other OR Essentials
Penlight — You’ll use this daily for pupil checks and airway assessments. Get a reliable, bright penlight and keep a spare in your bag.
Badge Reel & Pocket Organizer — Keep your ID, pens, and small tools accessible and organized. A retractable badge reel is a small thing that makes a big difference in your workflow.
CRNA Exam Prep (NCE)
After surviving CRNA school, you still need to pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) to earn your credentials. These are the top review courses that CRNA graduates use to prepare.
Apex Anesthesia Review — One of the most popular and highly-rated NCE prep courses available. Known for its comprehensive question bank, detailed rationales, and a structure that mirrors the actual exam. Many recent graduates credit Apex with helping them pass on the first attempt.
Valley Anesthesia Review — A well-established review course with both in-person and online options. Valley has been preparing CRNAs for board exams for years and has a strong track record.
Prodigy Anesthesia — Offers a question bank and review materials specifically designed for the NCE. A good supplemental resource to pair with one of the comprehensive courses above.
Tech & Study Tools
CRNA school is academically intense. The right tech setup can help you study more efficiently and stay organized throughout the program.
iPad Air or iPad Pro — Nearly every CRNA student I know uses an iPad for studying. You can annotate lecture slides, take handwritten notes, and carry all your textbooks digitally. It’s a game-changer for organization.
Apple Pencil — Pairs with the iPad for handwritten notes and annotations. Writing things out by hand improves retention, and the Apple Pencil makes digital note-taking feel natural.
GoodNotes or Notability App — The two most popular note-taking apps among CRNA students. Both allow you to import PDFs, annotate slides, and organize notes by class. Pick one and stick with it — you can’t go wrong with either.
Noise-Canceling Headphones (Sony WH-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro) — Essential for focused study sessions, especially if you’re studying in busy environments like hospitals or coffee shops. The noise-canceling feature helps you lock in when you need to.
Career Resources
Once you’ve earned your CRNA credentials, the career opportunities are vast. These resources will help you navigate the job market and set yourself up for long-term success.
Locum Tenens Agencies — Many new CRNAs start with locum tenens (travel) assignments to explore different practice settings, earn higher pay, and gain diverse clinical experience before committing to a permanent position. Agencies like Weatherby Healthcare, Staff Care, and NorthStar Anesthesia specialize in placing CRNAs.
Malpractice Insurance — Whether your employer provides coverage or not, many CRNAs choose to carry their own individual malpractice insurance policy for added protection. Providers like NSO (Nursing Service Organization) and CM&F Group offer policies specifically designed for CRNAs.
Financial Planning for High Earners — CRNAs often graduate with significant student loan debt but earn high salaries right out of school. Working with a financial advisor who understands the unique situation of healthcare professionals can help you create a strategy for loan repayment, investing, and building wealth. The White Coat Investor is a popular resource in the medical community for financial education.
Want More Recommendations?
I’m always updating this page as I discover new tools and resources worth sharing. If there’s something specific you’re looking for that isn’t listed here, feel free to reach out and let me know — I’m happy to help point you in the right direction.
And if you’re just getting started on your CRNA journey, don’t miss our Start Here page for a step-by-step guide to becoming a Nurse Anesthetist.