Preparedness of Nursing students to Integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies in Health Care Settings

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare by enhancing clinical decision-making, improving patient outcomes, and optimizing administrative processes. As frontline providers, nurses must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to work effectively in AI-supported environments. This descriptive study was conducted at The Salvation Army Catherine Booth College of Nursing, Nagercoil, with 185 B.Sc. Nursing students to assess their preparedness, awareness, and readiness to integrate AI technologies into healthcare settings. Findings revealed moderate confidence in basic AI concepts but low preparedness to use AI tools in clinical practice. While students expressed strong interest in additional training and recognized the importance of AI in future nursing roles, significant gaps were identified in curriculum content, experiential learning, and understanding of ethical implications. The study emphasizes the urgent need for curriculum reform, faculty development, and interprofessional collaboration to build AI competencies in nursing education.