Cross-sectional survey assesses cognitive enhancer use and side effects among student RN anesthetists, indicating potential issues with substance use.
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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Hammon et al. (2026) studied this question.
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