Journal Club Article: Hoelscher, S. H., & Pugh, A. (2025). NURSES embracing artificial intelligence: A guide to artificial intelligence literacy for the nursing profession. Nursing Outlook, 73(4), 102466.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally transforming healthcare, making AI literacy an indispensable competency for nursing professionals. This article, based on the N.U.R.S.E.S. theoretical framework (see below), outlines the critical need for nurses to understand AI’s principles. Nurses must leverage its benefits while mitigating its risks. It is also essential for them to proactively shape its integration. AI literacy is crucial for patient safety, enhanced decision-making, burden reduction, and promoting health equity. However, significant challenges arise. These include algorithmic bias, data privacy, over-reliance, and the unreliability of AI detection tools. They necessitate a comprehensive and ethical approach to AI implementation in nursing.

N.U.R.S.E.S. Theoretical Framework:

• Navigate AI basics 
• Utilize AI strategically
• Recognize AI pitfalls
• Skills support
• Ethics in action
• Shape the future (N.U.R.S.E.S) 

” It’s no longer sufficient for nurses to merely understand what AI is; they must be prepared to lead its responsible integration and maintain a working knowledge as it updates and evolves.”

Utilisation of AI in Nursing Practice

Nurses need to critically evaluate AI tools for safety. They should also assess these tools for bias and clinical relevance. This evaluation is essential to protect patient outcomes and promote ethical practice.

• Enhanced Decision-Making and Diagnostic Accuracy
• Automation and Burden Reduction
• Personalized Care and Predictive Analytics
• Robotics and Advanced Technologies
• Genomics and Precision Health
• AI-Enhanced Education
• Remote Patient Monitoring

AI Pitfalls and Challenges

• Data Quality and Privacy
• Algorithmic Bias
• Hallucinations and Confabulations
• Over-reliance and Critical Thinking
• Ethical and Legal Risks (Transparency, Accountability, Autonomy)
• Accountability
• Prior Authorisations
• Unreliable AI Detectors in Academia

Summary

The integration of AI into nursing practice is an undeniable and accelerating trend. Comprehensive AI literacy for nurses is paramount. It helps harness AI’s transformative potential. It also safeguards patient safety, promotes ethical practice, and ensures health equity. This process requires ongoing education. Strategic implementation is essential. There must be proactive risk mitigation. Active nurse leadership is crucial in shaping the development and deployment of AI technologies. Nurses have unique insights from the front lines of patient care. They are not just users but “essential collaborators” in defining the future of AI in healthcare.