Embracing the Future: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Nursing Education at UTC
Laurel Rhyne recalls a pivotal moment that changed her perception of education and technology. On December 18, 2022, a story on National Public Radio introduced her to the concept of generative artificial intelligence (AI) while she was driving across the Market Street Bridge. The conversation largely centered around plagiarism in higher education; however, Rhyne envisioned a far broader impact. “Our whole world is going to change,” she reflected, a sentiment that resonates strongly within nursing education today.
The Intersection of AI and Nursing Curriculum
At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), Rhyne serves as an associate lecturer in the College of Nursing, where her focus intertwines teaching critical care, palliative care, and leadership with the emerging role of AI. “What I’ve been really focused on is helping students understand various approaches to studying and how they can interact with AI in non-intimidating ways,” Rhyne explained.
Rhyne emphasizes the historical context and future potentials of AI in healthcare, highlighting both its innovative capabilities and the possible risks it entails. “AI may become sentient,” she cautioned, expressing concerns about algorithmic bias and environmental impact. While her students often feel trepidation around AI technology, many only use it for basic tasks, like making study guides.
This hesitation presents Rhyne with an opportunity—to help her students interface with AI safely and productively. “They’re not early adopters; it’s not their gig,” she noted. However, Rhyne remains optimistic, believing that AI can significantly help alleviate the shortages in healthcare providers, especially as the nursing workforce continues to dwindle.
Innovative Tools on the Horizon
Among the promising tools on the frontier of nursing education is the concept of ambient listening systems, already undergoing trials in hospitals. “They’re starting to build it into the walls,” Rhyne stated, envisioning a future where the technology will streamline workflow, diminishing burnout among nurses and allowing them to spend more time with their patients.
Even more intriguingly, Rhyne discussed how AI could foster empathy among nursing students. “They can see how their responses are not effective, enabling them to adjust in real-time,” she explained. This kind of feedback could transform the way future nurses approach patient care, especially in difficult situations.
Advanced Simulation and Practical Learning
In the realm of advanced practice nursing education, Clinical Assistant Professor Chris Doneski incorporates AI into the graduate nursing curriculum to create immersive learning experiences. Since joining UTC two years ago, he has expanded the use of simulation in the acute care nurse practitioner program, inspired by his doctoral research on using technology to enhance nursing education.
Doneski shared a transformative experience from a conference where a speaker demonstrated how an AI program could simulate a pediatric oncology patient. “That’s where the idea really started to grow,” Doneski recalled, and from that moment, he began to integrate AI into the simulation framework at UTC.
One of the signature tools in Doneski’s arsenal is the HAL® S5301 manikin, regarded as one of the world’s most advanced interdisciplinary patient simulators. This AI-powered manikin can mimic various patient scenarios, allowing nursing students to engage in realistic medical conversations. For instance, in a case involving chest pain, students assess the situation, communicate with the manikin, and then respond to a sudden deterioration that requires intubation.
Real-World Applications and Familiarity
Doneski emphasizes the relevance of this technology to real-world nursing. With many healthcare facilities already employing AI tools to streamline processes—such as scanning CT images for anomalies—students benefit from familiarity with these technologies before entering the workforce. “AI is here whether we like it or not," he noted. "Students are already using it, so having it in simulation makes the experience more relatable."
The results are telling; Doneski observes noticeable improvements in student performance as they become comfortable with AI. “They need to be ready for a healthcare environment that is increasingly complex,” he affirmed.
Bridging Education and Future Care
The overarching aim for Rhyne is to engage students in discussions about the future of AI in healthcare. “I have a healthy fear while also recognizing this is our reality and it will continue to evolve,” she stated. She understands the importance of adapting to these changes, believing that healthcare will be the most altered field due to advancements in AI. “We have to grow with it. Knowing this will empower us to ensure a seat at the table,” Rhyne asserted.
Her mindset encapsulates the duality of excitement and concern that accompanies technological evolution. By actively participating in this dialogue, future nurses can advocate for ethical practices and help shape the integration of AI into patient care. It’s an adaptation not just for nurses, but for the entire healthcare system.
For those interested in exploring the intersection of technology and nursing further, UTC offers resources and information on visiting the College of Nursing and the innovative programs it provides.
Resources
Exploring the role of AI in nursing not only equips students with essential skills but also positions them as leaders in a rapidly evolving field of healthcare, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, and ethical considerations in patient care.
