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

Although artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming nursing continuing education, excessive reliance on AI-based learning may undermine essential skills such as critical thinking, clinical intuition, and the relational and ethical aspects that are fundamental to nursing practice.

From virtual patient simulations to adaptive learning platforms, AI tools are increasingly integrated into continuing education for nurses. These technologies provide unparalleled opportunities for efficiency, accessibility, and personalized learning; however, their widespread use raises important questions about maintaining core nursing skills.

This article explores the balancing act of leveraging AI's educational benefits while protecting nursing's human, relational, and ethical principles in continuing education settings.

Risks include automation bias, diminished independent clinical reasoning, and the erosion of moral presence and therapeutic relationship skills. Intentional integration through blended learning models, ethical AI literacy, and mandatory oversight protocols for competencies is proposed as a path forward.

The future of nursing continuing education depends on a deliberate balance between AI and humanity, a commitment that is both an ethical responsibility and a professional necessity.