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A Descriptive Survey of Student RN Anesthetists' Use of Cognitive Enhancers
L Todd Hammon1, Martha O Rojo1, Leonie DeClerk1
1University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Background:
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% (n = 115) stated they took a CE while in nurse anesthesia school. Adderall was the most commonly used CE, and 7% of the SRNAs (n = 8/114) reported taking CE without a prescription.
Conclusion:
These results provide a foundation for future research on the development of interventions to reduce SRNAs' CE use by promoting safer coping mechanisms.
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