Potential for ChatGPT-Assisted Learning in Nursing Education

“ChatGPT-assisted learning has the potential to revolutionize nursing education, providing opportunities for enhancing the learning experience and outcomes for nursing students,” says Michael LeTang, MS, RN-BC, CCRN-K, vice president, chief nursing informatics officer for the risk management department at Healthcare Risk Advisors (HRA), a part of TDC Group, and an adjunct professor at New York University in the graduate nursing informatics program.

Daily Nurse spoke with LeTang about the potential for ChatGPT-assisted learning in nursing education.

Michael LeTang, MS, RN-BC, CCRN-K, vice president, chief nursing informatics officer for the risk management department at Healthcare Risk Advisors (HRA), a part of TDC Group

How will AI-powered tools impact nursing education?

Personalized learning is one of AI’s most significant predicted influences on nursing education. ChatGPT could provide students with customized feedback, resources, and learning experiences, ensuring optimal learning outcomes. Additionally, AI-powered tools like ChatGPT could support nursing students in developing their clinical decision-making skills by providing real-time information, evidence-based recommendations, and assistance with clinical scenarios. This can be especially beneficial in developing critical thinking and decision-making skills, which are crucial for success in nursing practice.

AI technology is also predicted to enhance virtual simulation and immersive learning experiences, providing students with practical experience and developing clinical skills in safe, controlled environments. Although not a direct feature of ChatGPT, AI-driven tools could enable the development of virtual simulations and immersive learning experiences, allowing nursing students to gain practical experience.

However, it is important to note that the role of educators remains vital in guiding students to connect course content with real-life situations and ensuring they can effectively apply their knowledge and skills in the context of patient care. Therefore, a balanced approach integrating ChatGPT-assisted learning with traditional teaching methods can enhance nursing education, prepare students for an ever-changing professional landscape, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

What are the potential misuses of ChatGPT in nursing education?

While ChatGPT can serve as a valuable supplementary resource in nursing education, potential misuses, such as overreliance on AI-generated information, inadvertent neglect of human interaction, fostering complacency, or misinterpreting knowledge, could hinder nursing students’ learning process and professional development.

Nursing education emphasizes theoretical and practical knowledge, so students must apply AI resources like ChatGPT responsibly and cautiously.

A few potential misuses and their possible consequences:

Overreliance on AI-generated information: Students may excessively depend on ChatGPT to answer questions or provide insights without cross-referencing the information with other reliable sources. This could lead to misconceptions, misinformation, and poor decision-making, potentially harming patient care in the long run.
Inadvertent neglect of human interaction: The convenience and immediacy of ChatGPT may inadvertently lead to students favoring digital interactions over human connections. This could impact their interpersonal skills and empathy, essential in nursing. Maintaining a balance between AI assistance and personal communication with educators, mentors, and peers is crucial.
Fostering complacency: The ease with which students can obtain answers from ChatGPT might foster a sense of complacency, reducing the motivation to delve deeper into complex subjects or develop critical thinking skills. Students should always be encouraged to explore beyond the information provided by AI and strive for comprehensive understanding.
Misinterpreting knowledge: AI-generated information may occasionally be ambiguous or misleading, resulting in students misinterpreting the content. Students should be taught to critically evaluate the information they receive from AI sources and cross-check with authoritative references to ensure accuracy.
Ethical concerns: Using AI tools, such as ChatGPT, in nursing education raises ethical concerns around data privacy and security. Students should be aware of these concerns and adhere to guidelines and best practices when using AI technology.

How can educators maximize ChatGPT in nursing education?

To maximize the benefits of ChatGPT in nursing education, educators must guide students on how to responsibly utilize AI as a supplementary tool while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking. This will ensure that future nurses are well-equipped to provide high-quality patient care while responsibly embracing AI technologies.

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Renee Hewitt

Editor & Content Strategist at Springer Publishing

Renee is the editor and content strategist for Daily Nurse. When enjoying life unplugged from the digital world, you'll find Renee on a trail taking wildlife photos or birdwatching.