Clinical nurses as digital guardians: unlocking the key determinants of digital resilience in the AI era

As artificial intelligence (AI) integrates into healthcare, clinical nurses need digital resilience to adapt to technological changes. However, little is known about the digital resilience of practicing nurses. This study aimed to investigate the current status and influencing factors of digital resilience among clinical nurses.

A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals in Nantong City, China.

A convenience sample of 460 clinical nurses completed questionnaires assessing general characteristics, AI literacy, organizational support, self-efficacy, and digital resilience. Multiple linear regression was used to identify influencing factors.

The mean digital resilience score was 123.05 ± 11.80 (possible range 39-195), indicating a moderate-to-high level. Monthly income, number of night shifts per month, participation in AI-related training, AI literacy, organizational support, and self-efficacy were significant predictors (all P < 0.05). These variables collectively accounted for 78.9% of the variance.

Digital resilience among clinical nurses is influenced by multiple factors. Nursing managers should implement systematic training, optimize shift schedules, enhance organizational support, and foster self-efficacy to improve digital resilience.