As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply integrated into healthcare systems, many clinicians are beginning to explore its benefits—though often with cautious optimism. Among the most skeptical groups are nurses, who are vocal in raising concerns around AI’s transparency, safety, and real-world implications.

In 2024, for example, nurses in California organized protests highlighting the risks they associate with AI in clinical care. This year, similar demonstrations took place nationwide, aiming to spotlight the need for clearer standards and ethical guidelines around AI usage in healthcare.

Still, nurses are not categorically opposed to AI. Many see its potential to streamline time-consuming tasks, reduce documentation workloads, and make clinical workflows more efficient. They’re particularly interested in AI tools that support rather than replace human care, and there’s growing interest in ensuring AI is implemented thoughtfully and responsibly.

At the upcoming HIMSS25 conference, a panel of nursing leaders will share perspectives on the evolving role of AI in clinical practice. The session, titled Empowering Nurses and Healthcare Professionals: AI Toolkit Showcase, will use a “fishbowl” format to encourage audience engagement and collaborative discussion.

Dr. Anna Schoenbaum, VP of applications and digital health at Penn Medicine, will be part of the panel alongside Darren Batara, RN (Stanford Health Care), Olga Kagan, RN (CUNY and Molloy University), and Dr. Kathleen McGrow (CNIO at Microsoft). They will address practical questions nurses have about AI tools—where they work, where they fall short, and what’s needed to overcome implementation challenges.

The discussion is rooted in research and insights from the HIMSS Nursing Innovation Advisory workgroup, a collaboration between HIMSS, the Alliance for Nursing Informatics, and SONSIEL. The group has identified barriers like limited AI literacy and resource shortages that make adoption difficult for many nurses.

To support the profession, the workgroup has developed a toolkit to guide nurses in responsibly integrating AI into their practice. According to Schoenbaum, there’s growing evidence that AI can bring value, particularly in predictive analytics and operational planning. For example, AI has helped forecast patient surges and optimize staff scheduling at Penn Medicine.

“Predictive tools can flag risks like patient falls or staffing shortfalls,” Schoenbaum explained. “We’re also exploring ambient technologies, especially in outpatient care settings.”

She noted that early results have been promising. In one case, a nurse reported a 50% drop in documentation time after using AI tools—freeing up more time for direct patient care. “That matters because nurses want to get back to the human side of healthcare, not spend their days buried in charts,” she said.

AI is also proving helpful in handling routine communications. Tools that assist with triaging and responding to messages are easing the burden on nursing staff. Importantly, Schoenbaum emphasizes that AI is meant to enhance—not replace—the nurse’s role.

“While hesitation still exists, that’s beginning to shift,” she added. “As nurses gain a better understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations, they’re more open to its potential.”

The HIMSS advisory group continues its efforts to provide accessible education and practical guidance for the nursing community. “It’s a small but committed team of leaders from academia, industry, and health systems,” said Schoenbaum. “We’re just getting started, but the goal is to empower nurses through knowledge and smart implementation.”