Understanding when — and when not — to trust AI in nursing is becoming a core competency.
Nursing students must use critical thinking, communication and clinical judgment. When a nurse cares for a patient, that patient doesn’t want their nurse staring at a screen or asking AI every question. Patients can do this at home, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Nursing graduates must be able to safeguard accuracy and use AI correctly, as well as function without it.
Balancing humanity and technology
“AI can help with many components of medicine, but humans care for the mind and spirit,” says Jessica Leiberg, dean of the School of Nursing. AI is advancing quickly, but comforting a patient and showing compassion are uniquely human.
Julie Parve, DNP, FNP-BC, APNP, director of graduate nursing, is also a family nurse practitioner who works in a clinic one day a week. She is learning how AI is being used in the field and is excited to show students how it can help in practice.
One example is Epic Systems’ electronic health record (EHR) software, which has existed for several years. This platform uses AI assistants and ambient-listening technology (DAX) to help reduce charting time and improve documentation. DAX Copilot (Dragon Ambient eXperience) is an AI-powered tool that supplements note-taking by acting as an AI scribe for nurses. These tools work together.
“It’s coming out very quickly,” says Dawn Kuerschner, chair of undergraduate nursing. “For students, especially undergrads, I want them to understand how it can help patients — but also that it can give wrong or incomplete information. So they need to be careful and prudent in how they use and interpret AI.”
AI assistance should help you, not replace you
AI-powered tools such as DAX are not designed to replace the human brain — just assist it by reducing documentation burden, streamlining workflow and improving a nurse’s efficiency.
“There are multiple spaces for AI in nursing: clinical practice, the classroom, leadership, scholarship and how faculty use it to inform their teaching,” says Leiberg. Conversations are underway within the School of Nursing to set consistent parameters.
“We’re working to ensure faculty and students use it appropriately. AI isn’t good or bad — it’s a tool. It’s how the human uses it.”
Overall, AI may help reduce burnout and administrative burdens for future nurses since charting takes a considerable time. AI summarizes charts, assists with documentation and can help inform diagnoses as well.
AI pitfalls you must be aware of
Whether using AI or not, nurses must focus on being present and communicating properly with their patients. For those using the tools, they must also be aware of inaccurate information.
Kuerschner says, “I have students ask AI about a medication, then check it in a verified drug resource. Sometimes it’s accurate, but sometimes not.”
The goal is for nurses to learn to use AI as a tool while still thinking critically. For example, Parve explains, “AI might tell you how to insert an IV but skip aseptic technique — which is critical for infection prevention.”
HIPAA is also a major concern because nurses cannot enter patient information into a noncompliant platform. Leiberg says, “We have to teach students how to use the technology safely to protect patients.”
Embracing AI responsibly
It’s impossible to predict where AI will be even one month from now. Concordia nursing graduates will be equipped to use this tool ethically and effectively. Rooted in Christ, they will learn to serve their patients first — focusing on accuracy, healing, humanity and compassion.
“Let AI handle the charts; let nurses handle the humans,” Kuerschner says.
Additional reading
For a more in-depth feature on nursing read, “DE-MSN: A beacon of hope for the future of nursing.”
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to advance your nursing career, CUW is here to support you every step of the way. With flexible programs, faith-integrated learning, and a community that truly cares, you can become the kind of nurse the world needs. Explore our nursing programs today and discover how CUW can help you lead with compassion and purpose.