Nurses express both optimism and concern about growing popularity of artificial intelligence tools. Many see the value of AI in reducing administrative burdens and improving efficiency. However, worries remain about patient safety, a lack of transparency and the exclusion of nurses from design and implementation processes. For AI to succeed in supporting nurses, its development must involve those who understand patient care most directly.
Opportunities for Reducing Workload
A growing number of nurses support the use of AI tools that can ease daily demands. Many welcome assistance with reviewing medical records, supporting clinical decisions and eliminating repetitive administrative tasks. These efficiencies could allow nurses to devote more time to patients, improving both the quality of care and job satisfaction. Tools that streamline documentation and produce efficient handover summaries are seen as particularly helpful. Reducing time spent on charting can enhance face-to-face interactions with patients, a change that many nurses believe would significantly improve outcomes.
There is optimism that AI can relieve stress on clinical teams, especially when used thoughtfully to complement human judgement. When systems are well designed, they can ease workloads, reduce burnout and enhance bedside presence. However, such benefits depend on the tools being accurate, reliable and integrated into clinical settings without disrupting existing workflows. Nurses support AI that enables rather than replaces them, especially when it allows them to focus on their primary role: direct patient care.
Concerns About Accuracy and Identity
Despite interest in AI’s potential, nurses express clear reservations. One of the main concerns is the accuracy of clinical AI tools. If recommendations are incorrect or misleading, patients may be put at risk. In some cases, AI solutions are presented as alternatives to qualified professionals. This can cause confusion when patients believe they are communicating with a nurse but are in fact engaging with a digital agent or avatar. Such misrepresentation can compromise safety, particularly if patients act on guidance without understanding the limitations of the technology.
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Nurses also object to the use of terms like “AI nurse” or the marketing of AI tools as replacements for licensed staff. Labelling machines in this way can diminish the professional expertise and critical thinking that nurses bring to healthcare. It also obscures the reality of what nurses do: assessing complex situations, managing care and making rapid, informed decisions. There is growing support for laws prohibiting AI systems from being referred to as nurses. Transparency matters not just for ethics but also for the safe and appropriate use of AI in clinical settings. Patients must always be told when they are interacting with a machine rather than a human caregiver.
Involving Nurses in Development and Implementation
Nurses report that AI tools often fall short because they are developed without sufficient input from frontline staff. Although leadership figures may be involved, the absence of direct caregivers in design and decision-making processes leads to tools that are not fully aligned with clinical practice. Technologies that do not consider real-world nursing workflows can create more problems than they solve, adding layers of complexity rather than easing burdens.
The lack of consultation can result in wasted investments. When AI tools are poorly integrated or do not address key challenges, adoption rates drop and anticipated benefits fail to materialise. Nurses stress the importance of including their voices early and consistently in AI discussions, from development through to deployment. Only those who engage with patients daily can fully assess how a system might impact care delivery.
Moreover, nurses believe that hospitals and health systems must provide adequate training. Understanding the foundations of AI is essential for safe and confident use. While some institutions have begun offering educational programmes, there is still a need for broader support. Nurses who are well trained are more likely to use AI effectively and help improve outcomes. There is strong enthusiasm for tools that are developed with care and implemented with consideration.
Nurses see promise in AI but insist on responsible integration. They want tools that enhance their ability to provide safe, efficient, patient-centred care. Concerns about accuracy, transparency and misrepresentation must be addressed. Crucially, nurses must be involved at every stage of AI development and implementation. Their insight ensures that technology aligns with clinical realities and supports the central goal of healthcare: caring for patients. With the right approach, AI can become a trusted tool for nurses rather than a point of contention.
Source: Chief Healthcare Executive
Image Credit: iStock
