Navigating challenges and opportunities: Nursing student's views on generative AI in higher education

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Education
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Generative AI tools are increasingly prevalent in academic settings.
• Students show growing interest in using AI for learning and assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nursing students' perspectives on applying and integrating generative AI tools in their studies.
• To understand student views on the educational impact, ethical considerations, and practical utility of AI in nursing education.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive design.
• Semi-structured interviews with thirteen first and second-year nursing students at a regional Australian university.
• Verbatim transcription and thematic analysis of interview data.

Main Results:

• Six distinct themes emerged: educational impact, equitable learning, ethical considerations, technology integration, safe utility, and generational differences.
• Student perspectives reveal a range of opinions on the benefits and drawbacks of AI in their education.
• Identified themes provide insights into how nursing students perceive AI's role in their academic journey.

Conclusions:

• Generative AI tools present both opportunities and challenges for nursing education.
• Student perspectives are crucial for guiding the effective and ethical integration of AI in nursing programs.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of AI in nursing education and practice.