The Pediatric Nursing Self-Assessment Exercise (SAE)

The 2008 Pediatric Nursing SAE is a self-paced, independent study tool profiling updated knowledge of pediatric nurse practice and is developed by Certified Pediatric Nurses.

Here's what you'll receive if you choose this SAE option for Recertification:

• A Content outline and bibliography
• The PN SAE, which includes 75 multiple-choice questions
• A reference manual with articles from leading journals to be used as primary references for all of the PN SAE items
• An answer sheet and return envelope

Upon successful completion of the PN SAE you will receive:

• A score report along with an answer/critique booklet with in-depth explanations of all right and wrong answers
• 13 contact hours of continuing education to validate your ongoing competency in pediatric nursing — an important way to meet state licensing requirements

Is it required?

Yes, one time in each of your 7-year cycles.

When should I take it?

It's up to you. As long as you successfully complete one SAE per 7-year cycle, the choice is yours.

When do I get the SAE? When is it due?

When you select this option for Recertification, you're making a commitment to complete the SAE the following year. Here's how it works:

• You select the SAE option between October 1 and December 1.
• We mail your SAE in late December.
• You'll have until May 15, 2008 (postmark date) to return your answer sheet to us.
• If you miss this due date, you may still return your answer sheet along with a $50 late fee.
• We then score your answers and mail your scores and corresponding documents in July.

How do I pass?

You must return the answer sheet for scoring and receive a minimum score of 70% or more in order to meet the annual Recertification Program requirement.

Passing CPNs® are awarded 13 contact hours (NAPNAP) for successful completion of this SAE. A certificate of continuing education is mailed along with an Item Performance Report (IPR) and a Critique/Answer Booklet with explanations for all right and wrong answers in July, after scoring of the answer sheet.

What if I don't pass?

CPNs® who fail to achieve a passing SAE score (70%) will be given an additional opportunity to retake the test items in which you were not successful. Following the guidelines listed below will help to assure your completion of the SAE requirement:

• In order to fulfill the SAE Recertification Program requirement you must redo the items answered incorrectly and pass with a minimum score of 80%. These items are noted on your Individual Performance Report, included in your July score packet.
• Use the enclosed answer sheet to redo incorrectly answered items only.
• An additional $30 administrative fee for re-scoring will be required and must be included with your new answer sheet in the enclosed return envelope.
• The completed answer sheet and $30 fee are due on or before August 1.
• Upon passing (with a minimum score of 80%), we will send the Critique/Answer booklet and a CE certificate awarding 13 NAPNAP contact hours.
• If you fail to successfully complete this SAE requirement with a minimum re-score of 80%, your current Recertification Option will be changed to INACTIVE. A Critique/Answer booklet will be mailed to you.

What if I have a question about the SAE?

Visit our SAE Updates web page to see if your question is addressed there. If not, email us at sae@pncb.org for assistance.