A published student journal: effect on graduate students of nurse anesthesia

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a published student journal on the education, knowledge base, and clinical practice of nurse anesthesia students. This study used a correlational design with a descriptive component. An assessment tool was included with the July 2003 issue of The Student journal of Nurse Anesthesia (SJNA), now known as The International Student journal of Nurse Anesthesia. The tool assessed the students' perceptions of the SJNA and the knowledge gained from reading this issue. An information-processing model was used to convey the educational value and clinical benefits of the SJNA. There were differences in the test scores of students who read the SJNA compared with students who did not and between students who read more of the SJNA compared with peers who read less. A majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with questions addressing the merit of the SJNA as it provided or reinforced clinical information. This study supported continuing the production of the SJNA and indicated education benefits to nurse anesthesia students.