Beyond the Hype: Practical Applications of AI in Nursing Education

In this episode of NLN Nursing Edge Unscripted, hosts Dr. Raquel Bertiz and Dr. Kellie Bryant welcome Dr. Rachel Cox Simms to discuss the role of generative AI in nursing education. Dr. Cox Simms shares how she integrates AI tools like ChatGPT into her teaching, using them for NCLEX-style question development, case studies, and interactive learning. She emphasizes the importance of AI literacy for both students and faculty, ensuring educators understand its strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations. The conversation highlights challenges in AI adoption, including misinformation, bias, and the need for human oversight in AI-generated content. The episode concludes with practical advice for nurse educators, encouraging them to explore AI, experiment with its applications, and integrate it responsibly into nursing curricula.Learn more about AI from Dr. Cox Simms:Simms R. C. (2024). Work with ChatGPT, not against: 3 teaching strategies that harness the power of artificial Intelligence. Nurse educator, 49(3), 158–161. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNE.0000000000001634Cox, R. L., Hunt, K. L., & Hill, R. R. (2023). Comparative Analysis of NCLEX-RN Questions: A Duel Between ChatGPT and Human Expertise. The Journal of nursing education, 62(12), 679–687. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20231006-07Simms, R.C. (2024). Using chatGPT for tailored NCLEX prep in virtual office hours. Nurse Educator, 49(4):p 227, DOI: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000001611Simms, R.C. (2025).Generative artificial intelligence (AI) literacy in nursing education: A crucial call to action, Nurse Education Today, Volume 146, 106544,ISSN 0260-6917, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106544Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the leading organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. Find past episodes of the NLN Nursing EDge podcast online. Get instant updates by following the NLN on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. For more information, visit NLN.org.