In recent years, the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a focal point of both scholarly research and popular discussion. With AI technologies becoming more integrated into various sectors, including healthcare, education, and daily life, understanding public and professional perceptions of AI is crucial. The burgeoning field of nursing is no exception, where future healthcare professionals must navigate the complexities of AI as they prepare to care for patients. A recent study conducted by Gürkan Yıldırım and R. Çakmak sheds light on nursing students’ metaphorical perceptions of AI, providing insight into how these future nurses envision the role of AI in their professional lives and its implications for patient care.
The study in question, titled “Nursing students’ metaphorical perceptions of the concept of ‘Artificial Intelligence’ and their views on the future of artificial intelligence,” focuses on a group of nursing students to analyze their thoughts and feelings toward AI technologies. As they approach their careers, these students are on the brink of incorporating advanced technologies into their nursing practices. The researchers utilized a qualitative methodology to gather nuanced insights into the metaphors that the students associate with AI, revealing the underlying attitudes that influence their perspectives.
One of the key findings of the research is the diverse range of metaphors that nursing students use when discussing AI. These metaphors reflect a spectrum of emotions and attitudes, ranging from fear and skepticism to hope and excitement. For instance, some students likened AI to a “guardian angel”, suggesting a belief in the technology’s protective and supportive capabilities for patient care. Others, however, referred to AI as a “double-edged sword,” highlighting their concerns about ethical implications and the potential loss of human touch in healthcare.
Furthermore, the study delves into nursing students’ apprehensions regarding job security in the face of increasing automation. Many students voiced fears that AI could replace human nurses, leading to job loss and a devaluation of the nursing profession. This concern resonates widely in the current climate where technological advancements are rapidly transforming various job markets. As the narrative unfolds, the students express their desire for assurance that the implementation of AI will be a tool for enhancement rather than a source of replacement in the healthcare domain.
Conversely, the research also highlights an optimistic outlook among many nursing students who view AI as a collaborative partner. They envision scenarios where AI can enhance clinical decision-making, allowing nurses to focus on delivering empathetic care to their patients. The integration of AI into daily nursing practices, they argue, could streamline administrative tasks, reduce error rates, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. This perspective illustrates a forward-looking approach that embraces technology while preserving the essential compassionate aspect of nursing.
Interestingly, the study reveals that educational programs play a pivotal role in shaping students’ perceptions of AI. Students who received training and exposure to AI technologies during their studies demonstrated increased comfort and familiarity with these tools. This aspect underscores the importance of incorporating AI literacy into nursing curricula to prepare future healthcare professionals adequately. By fostering a deeper understanding of AI’s potential benefits and limitations, educators can contribute to a more informed and proactive nursing workforce.
In the context of patient care, nursing students recognize that AI could revolutionize how they interact with patients. Many students expressed the belief that AI can offer personalized treatment plans based on extensive data analysis, enhancing the quality of care derived from nursing interventions. However, this is balanced with concerns about the dehumanization of care as patient interactions become increasingly mediated by technology. The authors argue that striking a balance between technological advancement and the human element in nursing is paramount.
As the study draws to a close, it becomes evident that there exists a duality in nursing students’ perceptions of AI. On one hand, there is skepticism rooted in the fear of the unknown and the implications of AI for job security and ethical standards. On the other hand, there is an enthusiastic engagement with the potential of AI to improve patient care and streamline practices within the healthcare system. This complex emotional landscape reflects broader societal concerns about the increasing encroachment of technology in traditionally human-centric professions.
The findings of this study prompt a series of important questions for the future of nursing and healthcare as a whole. How can nursing education institutions adapt to incorporate AI training effectively? What measures can be taken to ensure that AI serves as a complement to the nursing profession rather than a substitute? The answers to these questions will be critical as healthcare systems around the world strive to keep pace with technological advancements while prioritizing the well-being of patients and the practitioners who care for them.
In conclusion, the exploration of nursing students’ metaphorical perceptions of AI offers significant insights into the future landscape of nursing and healthcare. As the intersection of technology and caregiving deepens, it is essential for educators, practitioners, and policymakers to work collaboratively to address concerns while harnessing the advantages that AI promises. The dialogue surrounding AI should be inclusive, ensuring that the voices of future nurses are considered in shaping the future of healthcare. This study is a springboard for further research and discussions that will undoubtedly shape how AI is utilized within the nursing field moving forward.
In essence, the relationship between nursing and artificial intelligence is one of partnership. The future of nursing will depend on a keen understanding of AI’s capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations. This symbiotic relationship holds promise for enhancing patient care, advancing healthcare practices, and ensuring that nurses remain at the forefront of compassionate, human-centered care in an increasingly automated world.
Subject of Research: Nursing students’ perceptions of artificial intelligence
Article Title: Nursing students metaphorical perceptions of the concept of “Artificial Intelligence” and their views on the future of artificial intelligence.
Article References:
Yıldırım Gürkan, D., Çakmak, R. Nursing students metaphorical perceptions of the concept of “Artificial intelligence” and their views on the future of artificial intelligence.
BMC Nurs 24, 1275 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03947-4
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-025-03947-4
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Nursing Education, Healthcare Technology, Nursing Students, Patient Care, Job Security, Human-Centered Care.
