Follow-up Survey 10 Years Later: Use of the Basic Knowledge Assessment Tools (BKATs) for Critical Care Nursing and Effects on Staff Nurses

The Basic Knowledge Assessment Tools (BKATs) are a series of 5 different paper-and-pencil tests used to measure basic knowledge in critical care nursing (Table 1). Basic knowledge in critical care nursing is defined as the body of knowledge used by critical care nurses to provide safe nursing care to patients hospitalized in critical care units.^1,2 Research with undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students and new graduates has shown that this knowledge is beyond that required for licensure as a registered nurse and is essential before entry into critical care nursing practice.^2,3 Staff nurses new to critical care typically acquire much of this knowledge during their orientation programs.^4 (p5) The initial development of the BKAT and its content, validity, and reliability have been described.² 

The knowledge of critical care nurses has been monitored since the advent of critical care units, and such monitoring is...