AI in nursing: A step forward or a cause for concern?

As healthcare organizations adopt AI and virtual nursing programs, nurses are raising important questions about how these advancements will shape patient care and their roles within the profession. While these technologies aim to streamline workflows and address staffing challenges, their integration sparks a range of responses. 

In 2024, nurses at organizations like Kaiser Permanente and HCA Healthcare advocated  for greater involvement in decisions about technology adoption, emphasizing the need  for safeguards to ensure patient care remains the priority. Similarly, discussions around  virtual nursing programs at Providence Alaska Medical Center highlighted the  complexity of balancing innovation with bedside care. 

The key questions remain: How will AI impact nursing practices? Can it enhance patient outcomes while supporting, rather than replacing, the critical role of hands-on care? 

As technology continues to transform healthcare, these conversations are essential to shaping a system that works for both patients and providers. Where do you stand?