A Descriptive Survey of Student RN Anesthetists' Use of Cognitive Enhancers
L. Todd Hammon, Martha O. Rojo, Leonie DeClerk, Jing Jin, Patricia A. Cowan, Tara JohnsonBackground:
Existing research has shown that graduate students use cognitive enhancers to improve their academic performance. Some of these students have used various forms of cognitive-enhancing substances (CEs). While the literature is replete with studies probing this issue, there is a dearth of information on CEs used by student RN anesthetists (SRNAs).
Method:
This cross-sectional descriptive study, employing survey methodology, assessed the prevalence and perceived side effects of CE use among 421 SRNAs in nurse anesthesia programs in the United States.
Results:
Of the 421 SRNAs surveyed, 27.3% (
Conclusion:
These results provide a foundation for future research on the development of interventions to reduce SRNAs' CE use by promoting safer coping mechanisms.