Nursing workers can “acquire” AI and realize its potential
While burnout and staffing shortages weigh heavily on nurses’ minds, they are also creating opportunities for new technologies and care models to support the future of the profession. Most nurses across the U.S. say the use of AI is becoming commonplace and could make the transition easier to educate to implement.
- 58% of nurses say they use GenAI in their personal lives and 46% say they use it at work
- Almost half (45%) of nurses say GenAI can help reduce nursing staff burnout by automating documentation, prioritizing routine patient questions, and streamlining workflows.
- 62% of nurses say that incorporating AI into onboarding and training will improve staff productivity by reducing the time it takes for new graduates and transfers to confidently contribute to the unit.
Concerns emerge over widespread adoption of healthcare AI
While there is much optimism regarding the use of AI across industries, including healthcare, there is a gap between the speed of consumer AI deployment and what it means for more evidence-based industries like healthcare.
- Only 22% of nurse respondents report that their facility has a published policy in place regarding the use of GenAI
- 22% of organizations require formal training before implementing tools into nursing workflows
- More than half (53%) of nurses say they are concerned that GenAI could impair their decision-making skills or lead to overreliance on algorithmic outputs
What’s next for healthcare AI and nursing?
The balance between ensuring that technology enhances and does not detract from nurses’ daily workflows is critical, while continuing to innovate at the level of the entire health care system.
- 77% of nurses say they believe GenAI is important to the future productivity of their organization
- 80% of organizations say they plan to use digital strategies for professional development to create direct opportunities to prepare nurses for AI-powered practice.
- Almost one-third (28%) of nurses say GenAI-enhanced onboarding and training has increased new staff productivity and confidence.
- 54% of nurses say GenAI can foster innovation and another 54% say it can improve collaboration and communication
Download full version Nursing Insights: Redefining Nursing Practice for an AI-Driven Future To read further.
The Future Ready Healthcare Survey Report is a nationally representative survey conducted in early 2025 by Ipsos, an independent marketing research firm. Respondents included physicians, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, administrators, and medical librarians from across the United States.
