The Incorporation Of AI Into Nursing Education

Published Jan 22

2 Posts

Specializes in emergency department.

Introduction

A lot has changed since the time of Florence Nightingale. Our dresses and caps have been swapped for scrubs, paper charts for electronic health records, and convent training for formal education. Nursing knowledge has been developing and right alongside it so has technology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is encroaching into every aspect of healthcare, including the education of nurses. Nursing is the largest profession in healthcare, so it is important that our training remains current.1 Part of that means embracing the advancements of the twenty-first century.

Innovators are excited about AI entering the nursing profession and how it can optimize learning. But as with all change, the introduction of anything new means inevitable pushback. There is plentiful debate about whether AI will have a positive or negative impact on nursing education.2

Background

AI is a technology that allows computer systems to learn, adapt, and make decisions in a way similar to a human being.3 It has been present in many aspects of everyday life for a while. As time goes on, AI will become more integrated into our profession. Nursing students must be knowledgeable about AI to practice in the highly technical field.

Under the umbrella word of AI, there are many different subsets.3 Machine learning and predictive analytics are two especially prominent tools impacting nursing.

MACHINE LEARNING processes data to make conclusions that mimic human-like thinking.

PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS assesses for patterns in the information and anticipates future results.

Many algorithms are currently being used to assist clinical decision-making with good effect.

Benefits of AI in Nursing Education

When used correctly, AI tools can enhance learning experiences for students while in a no-risk environment. The advantage there is an easier transition from schooling into practice.3 This is good news for students, instructors, and future patients.

Personalization

Many people praise AI for expanding the degree of personalization that is achievable in nursing school.2 Tutoring programs that use AI to adjust to a student's knowledge level are a prime example of adaptive learning tools now available.2 Instead of an instructor having to individually sit down with students and assess competency levels, AI can do it. AI quickly and effortlessly assesses strengths and focuses on students' weak knowledge areas.

Simulation

AI tools have also proven useful when implemented to provide simulation experiences for students.2 This includes avatar apps, robots, and virtual reality devices.3 This is useful with skill scenarios and patient interview practice.2 Instead of awkward first encounters with real patients, students can trial communication and skills on high-fidelity mannequins. This allows nursing students endless realistic scenarios to practice critical decision-making skills.

Relieving Educator's Burden

On the educator side of nursing school AI can save time by grading and recording attendance.2 Let's face it, nursing faculty have better things to be doing with their time. It can also give instructors valuable generalizations about knowledge gaps and class strengths. This can make changing the curriculum easier to better serve students.

Disadvantages of AI in Nursing Education

AI has many critics who raise concerns focused on security issues, ethical dilemmas, and faculty disquiet. Let's take a look at the top criticisms.

Privacy Considerations

There is a murmuring among academics who oppose AI that student privacy could be an issue.2 AI does require some personal data from students. This implies there is potential for security breaches.2 Cyberattacks are a real threat and should be taken seriously.

Ethical Considerations

One concern is breaching plagiarism policies that nursing schools have in place.2 The authenticity of a student's work can be impacted. Tools such as ChatGPT can essentially write content with little to no work from the student.2 It is paramount that students adhere to their school's set standards for written work.

Pushback Frin Faculty

Understandably, educators are concerned with how AI affects their role.2 Extra time and effort are necessary for instructors to learn about implementing AI tools. There is also the concern that AI could replace certain educators altogether.2 This leads to educators feeling resentful of AI and being unwilling to optimize its use.

Smooth Implementation of AI

AI is a newer concept for many, so it deserves proper training for those expected to use it. Education for instructors using AI should be aimed at defining the potentiality and drawbacks.2 Nursing school faculty should also have a seat at the table when making decisions about what AI tools to invest in and where to incorporate it into curriculums. It is crucial to remember that AI's place in education is to enhance and streamline processes. The need for quality nursing instructors will never be replaceable. Computers remain unable to provide moral support, compassion, or a box of tissue to stressed nursing students.

Summary

There are vast benefits and legitimate concerns with the infiltration of AI into nursing schools across the globe. At the center of the debate as to whether AI is good or bad for nursing education, there is agreement that human-provided care cannot be matched.3 When educators have a good working knowledge of AI and can optimize its tools, nursing students benefit. Responsible use of AI increases a student's competency and fosters a generation of prepared nurses.