Artificial Intelligence: Transforming the Professional Role of Nurses

Authors

  • Saowanee Mautub Phramongkutklao Hospital
  • Chanadda Jumpaphun Chulabhorn Hospital
  • Jiraphorn Timagate Rajavithi Hospital
  • Chattrapron Wangsalae Rajavithi Hospital
  • Niramon Wongyai King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital
  • Wasinee Wisetrith Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58837/CHULA.JNRIH.38.1.2

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Changing Nursing Roles, Critical Use of AI

Abstract

In the era of digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer merely a tool for data analysis; it is fundamentally reshaping the nursing profession in multiple dimensions. This article aims to analyze the impact of AI on the roles of professional nurses at the operational level and above through a three-dimensional conceptual framework: the dimension of practice, the dimension of relationships and ethics, and the dimension of professional identity.
The analysis shows that in the practice dimension, AI shifts nurses’ roles from task performers to critical analysts who guide data use in clinical decision-making. In the relationships and ethics dimension, although AI improves the accuracy of health assessment and monitoring, it lacks emotional intelligence and cannot replace empathy and compassionate care. In terms of professional identity, AI requires nurses to redefine their expertise by strengthening digital competencies and critical thinking while maintaining patient-centered care. This article argues that nurses should use AI with sound professional judgment and integrate it with human capabilities. Such an approach strengthens the nursing role and supports innovative care that balances technological advancement with human compassion.

References

Russell SJ, Norvig P. Artificial intelligence: a modern approach. 4th ed. Hoboken (NJ): Pearson; 2021.

McCarthy J, Minsky ML, Rochester N, Shannon CE. A proposal for the Dartmouth summer research project on artificial intelligence. Hanover (NH): Dartmouth College; 1955.

Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council. Regulations of the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council on nursing role definitions B.E. 2564 (2021). Bangkok: Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council; 2021. (in Thai).

Ahmed SK. Artificial intelligence in nursing: current trends, possibilities and pitfalls. Glob Media J. 2024;22(3):1-8. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100072

Digital Economy Promotion Agency. Driving Thailand 4.0 with AI and digital innovation. Bangkok: Digital Economy Promotion Agency; 2022. (in Thai).

Yi N, Baik D, Baek G. The effects of applying artificial intelligence to triage in the emergency department: a systematic review of prospective studies. J Nurs Sch. 2025;57(1):45-56. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.13024

Buacharoen H, Chankham W. Application of artificial intelligence-based health innovations in nursing. Thai J Nurs. 2020;69(4):60-7. (in Thai).

Esteva A, Kuprel B, Novoa RA, Ko J, Swetter SM, Blau HM, et al. Dermatologist-level classification of skin cancer with deep neural networks. Nature. 2017;542(7639):115-8. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1038/nature21056

World Health Organization. Global strategic directions for nursing and midwifery 2021-2025. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021.

Seibert K, Domhoff D, Bruch D, Schulte-Althoff M, Furstenau D, Biessmann F, et al. Application scenarios for artificial intelligence in nursing care: rapid review. J Med Internet Res. 2021;23(1):e26522. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2196/26522

Moguillansky D, Sharaf OM, Jin P, Samra R, Bryan J, Moguillansky NI, et al. Evaluation of clinical predictors for major outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: the potential role of the Rothman Index. Cureus. 2022;14(1):e21573. Available from: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.28769

Ruksakulpiwat S, Thorngthip S, Niyomyart A, Benjasirisan C, Phianhasin L, Aldossary H, et al. A systematic review of the application of artificial intelligence in nursing care: where are we, and what's next? J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024;17:123-35. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S459946

Mohanasundari SK, Kalpana M, Madhusudhan U, Vasanthkumar K, B R, Singh R, et al. Can artificial intelligence replace the unique nursing role? Cureus. 2023;15(3):e36045. Available from: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.51150

Klunree H, Teerawongsa N, Kamnueng C, Udmuangphia T. Application of artificial intelligence in nursing practice: ethical issues. J Public Health. 2023;32(5):962-70. (in Thai).

Rony MKK, Parvin MR, Ferdousi S. Advancing nursing practice with artificial intelligence: enhancing preparedness for the future. Nurs Open. 2024;11(2):e2105. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.2070

Bass BM, Avolio BJ. Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Thousand Oaks (CA): Sage; 1994.

Yonjaiyuth P, Arannapoom W. Leadership development and modern organizational management. Bangkok: Publisher; 2024. (in Thai).

Rick C. Competence in executive nursing leadership for the 21st century: the 5 Eyes. Nurse Leader. 2014;12(4):47-50. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2014.01.005

Curtis DW, Pino EJ, Bailey JM, Shih EI, Waterman J, Vinterbo SA, et al. SMART—an integrated wireless system for monitoring unattended patients. J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2008;15(1):44-53. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1197/jamia.M2016

Downloads

Published

2026-06-08

Issue

Section

Academic articles