PedsCCM: Pediatric Critical Care Nursing Literature Reviews

Article Reviewed:

Runton N, Toth J. Introducing the Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool for Pediatric Critical Care Nursing (PEDS-BKAT).. Critical Care Nurse 1998; 18:67-72.

Reviewed by:

Mary McCulley RN MS PNP CCRN
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Posted 8/4/99

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This article presents a knowledge assessment tool for RNs practicing in pediatric critical care. The Pediatric Knowledge Assessment tool (PEDS-BKAT) is based on the adult nursing knowledge tool, Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool (BKAT). This article discusses how the questions of the PEDS-BKAT were developed, how the validity was established and presents the study performed to establish the reliability of the test. Runton and Toth emphasize the importance of proper education and describe the preparation necessary to ensure competency of RNs as they care for critically ill infants and children.