Artificial intelligence in nursing education: Balancing innovation and human-centered care

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Professional Development

Background:

• AI tools like virtual simulations and adaptive platforms are increasingly used in nursing continuing education.
• These technologies offer benefits in efficiency, accessibility, and personalized learning for nurses.
• However, their integration raises concerns about preserving essential nursing competencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the balance between utilizing AI's educational advantages and safeguarding core nursing principles.
• To address the potential impact of AI on critical thinking, clinical intuition, and the relational/ethical aspects of nursing.
• To examine strategies for responsible AI integration in nursing continuing education.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis of AI applications in nursing education.
• Exploration of potential risks associated with over-reliance on AI in clinical skill development.
• Discussion of ethical considerations and the importance of humanistic elements in nursing.

Main Results:

• Excessive reliance on AI may lead to automation bias and diminished independent clinical reasoning.
• There is a risk of eroding the 'moral presence' and therapeutic relationship skills vital to nursing.
• AI integration can potentially undermine the development of nuanced clinical intuition.

Conclusions:

• A deliberate balance between AI and humanistic principles is essential for the future of nursing continuing education.
• Recommends intentional integration via blended learning models and mandatory ethical AI literacy.
• Proposes oversight protocols to ensure competency maintenance alongside AI adoption.