Nursing students' AI literacy and ethical understanding of AI in nursing education

Abstract

• GAI supports student learning but may hinder critical thinking and ethical judgment. • Gaps identified in nursing students' ability to define ethical vs. unethical GAI use. • There is a need for AI ethics and literacy training in nursing education. Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) offers opportunities to enhance learning in nursing education yet raises concerns about academic integrity and critical thinking. Limited research exists on nursing students' ethical understanding and prior GAI exposure. To explore freshman nursing students’ understanding of ethical versus unethical uses of GAI, their foundational AI literacy, and prior exposure to AI training. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a researcher-developed survey administered to 119 freshman BSN students at a large Midwestern university. The survey assessed knowledge of GAI ethics, GAI use, and perceptions of university-led GAI training. Students demonstrated a strong ability to differentiate between ethical and unethical uses of GAI (93 % accuracy). However, gaps were noted in understanding when AI-generated content crosses into academic dishonesty. Many students reported limited AI training and expressed strong interest in AI learning modules. Freshman nursing students are eager to use GAI responsibly but lack foundational training. AI literacy education is essential to support ethical decision-making, preserve academic integrity, and prepare students for responsible AI use in nursing practice.

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