The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Nursing Students: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in nursing education is rapidly transforming learning methodologies by enhancing decision-making, academic performance, and technological readiness. However, concerns about AI’s ethical implications and impact on clinical reasoning persist, necessitating a comprehensive review of its role in nursing education.
Aim: This study aims to analyze the impact of AI on nursing students by reviewing ten research articles published between 2020 and 2025. The objective is to evaluate how AI influences students' academic performance, attitudes, ethical decision-making, and behavioral intentions.
Method
A systematic review of ten peer-reviewed articles was conducted, focusing on studies that explored AI’s role in nursing education. The selected studies included randomized controlled trials, qualitative research, and cross-sectional studies from various geographical regions. Themes such as academic performance, attitudes, ethical considerations, and AI adoption behavior were identified and analyzed.
Results: The findings indicate that AI-enhanced learning improves academic performance and technological readiness, with students demonstrating higher engagement and AI competency. However, ethical concerns regarding AI’s role in clinical reasoning and decision-making persist. Attitudes toward AI were generally positive, but variations existed based on gender, institutional support, and perceived usefulness.
Conclusion: AI in nursing education presents opportunities for enhancing learning outcomes, but challenges remain in ethical training and decision-making. Future research should focus on long-term studies, regulatory guidelines, and balancing AI’s role as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human judgment