In a new op-ed published in HIT Consultant, ATI Strategic Nursing Advisor Beth Cusatis Phillips, PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE, outlined specific ways that artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool to personalize learning, enhance faculty-student engagement, and improve NCLEX outcomes.

“This requires educators to think differently and truly understand how and when to use AI, as well as how it can benefit both themselves and their students,” Dr. Phillips wrote.

To make this shift, programs require access to comprehensive date in key areas: curriculum, student performance, and clinical practice. They also require AI technology and learning platforms that are nursing-focused and adapt to individual student needs.

“That personalization, and the ability to share real-time feedback, helps foster a more supportive learning environment uniquely suited to each individual,” Dr. Phillips wrote.

When students have access to AI platforms that provide evidence-based, round-the-clock, real-time coursework help, the potential benefits expand further.

“Faculty can see which questions come up a lot, or which lessons seem to be the most confusing, and use that information to tailor their teaching strategies and address specific student needs,” Dr. Phillips wrote. “This can inform faculty to ensure students get what they need to learn to pass the NCLEX, as well as be ready for the realities of practice.”

Dr. Phillips pointed out that early adopters of artificial intelligence in nursing programs are reporting increased efficiency, more accessible and more personal learning, and higher student engagement and motivation. Key learnings from these adoptions show that best practices include starting with a pilot program, providing faculty training, balancing technology with human interaction, and addressing data privacy.

“These steps ensure that AI is benefiting students, faculty, and nursing programs overall, avoiding hasty implementations, ethical traps, and overuse of AI,” Dr. Phillips wrote. “By taking an iterative approach and establishing clear guidelines around how AI should be used, institutions can ensure the technology is a net positive.”  

Link to the full op-ed here.