Evaluating the use of the basic knowledge assessment tool (BKAT) in critical care nursing with baccalaureate nursing students.

Abstract

AbstractIn this study the Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool (BKAT) was administered to 38 senior baccalaureate nursing students prior to and following a course in critical care nursing to evaluate the reliability of the tool in measuring knowledge in critical care.Results from the study indicate that the BKAT is a valid and reliable measure of knowledge in critical care nursing in the sample studied and possibly in similar samples, and part of that knowledge is basic nursing knowledge, and the B U T measures learning. A comparison group of 73 nurses with from 1 to greater than 6 years of experience in critical care nursing had statistically significant higher scores on the BKAT than did the students. This finding is consistent with that of previous research. However, findings from the study also indicate that senior nursing students have some critical care knowledge to bring to the employment situation following graduation.The BKAT is regarded as an instrument that can assist nursing educators in schools of nursing to evaluate courses in critical care nursing and educators in the clinical setting to evaluate orientation programs. Indications also exist that the BKAT can be used as a tentative bench mark in narrowing the expectancy gap between what is learned by students and what nurse managers expect new graduates to know.