Generating content with AI skips these steps and goes right to results . The writing might be original , but it is not the student ’ s brain at work . Practicing these cognitive skills makes the difference between a future nurse who can analyze and act on changing patient data versus one that treats patients routinely and completes rote tasks . It matters .
The other risk is that when AI tools respond to questions or prompts , answers are generated from the vast information available on the internet . The reliability of this information is questionable . I experienced this when I used ChatGPT to write short modules about nursing research topics for my course . Because I know this information very well , I easily identified what was incorrect and fixed it . Now I have short , specific research modules and my students don ’ t have to buy a textbook , saving them time and money . That ’ s an AI tool win .
But when learning something new , you don ’ t know what you don ’ t know . A novice student may not know whether information generated by AI tools is accurate or not . That can have serious consequences as a student . Using textbooks , journal articles , and reputable websites provides a secure source of factual information . As AI tools continue to evolve , these risks will probably change , but students should be very careful using them as a learning tool .
AI Tool Opportunities
Now , for the opportunities offered by AI tools for nursing students . One of my former students , Matthew Desio , was the first to bring some of these to my attention . He particularly believed that students with learning disabilities , ADHD , or who struggled with written English could benefit . He used it as a virtual tutor to enhance his academic success . Together we have come up with 10 ways to increase learning , engage more actively with content , and even practice skills . Always verify information generated from AI tools with your textbook , class notes , faculty , or other sources used by your nursing program . Remember the high risk of misinformation . Consider these suggestions for ways to use an AI tool :
1 . Class note organizer . Paste in notes as soon as possible after class and ask the AI tool to organize , clarify , or improve the content . The sooner the better while the information is fresh .
2 . Question generator . Paste in class notes ( or content from textbooks or other sources ) and ask the AI tool to generate multiple-choice quiz questions with answers from the content . Variations include asking for easy to difficult questions or even NCLEX-style questions .
3 . Writing tutor . Paste in your papers , discussion board responses , or essays and ask the AI tool to proofread and make suggestions for improvement . It won ’ t rewrite your work , but will provide a critique , like getting help from a tutor .
4 . Literature review assistant . If you need to find articles on an assigned topic let the Bard AI tool help you . Example : Find 5 nursing journal articles published since 2019 on nursing burnout .
5 . Increase understanding of journal articles . Ask the AI tool to simplify , clarify , or summarize information . Use results as a foundation for your analysis or discussion in written work , don ’ t copy it . If you are preparing for a presentation , it can increase understanding and confidence .
6 . Create original case studies . Enter information about a patient situation to improve understanding of nursing decision-making and actions . Example : Ask the AI tool to write a case study with nursing care questions about an 80-year-old patient with Parkinson ’ s who is having nausea and trouble with his medications .
7 . Write basic care plans or discharge plans for clinical patients for your own use ( do not enter any patient health information [ PHI ]). Verify information with your textbook or other source . Example : Ask the AI tool to write a nursing care plan for a woman who
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