Keywords

accountability, basic knowledge, critical care education, evidence-based practice, NICU

 

Authors

  1. Toth, Jean C. PhD, RN, CNS, CBC

Abstract

Defining and monitoring nursing knowledge is an essential responsibility of the profession. Defining basic knowledge needed for safe practice in the specialty area of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nursing is therefore appropriate. This article describes development of a new instrument called the Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool (BKAT) for NICU nursing and offers practical applications for its use. Historical background information on the NICU is also presented.