ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS AN INNOVATIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY TO ENHANCE CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY IN NURSING STUDENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: In higher education, specifically in nursing education, artificial intelligence (AI) is meaningfully improving teaching approaches that prioritize students' attention spans, critical problem-solving abilities, and workforce readiness. The challenges of healthcare today necessitate that nursing students be taught the clinical and cognitive abilities they need to navigate the complex modern healthcare environments successfully. Materials and Methods: This review utilized a systematic literature review methodology to identify, select, and synthesize relevant studies that explore the role of AI in enhancing critical thinking and professional competencies in nursing students. A structured search strategy was designed using key databases: PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. These databases were chosen for their comprehensive indexing of nursing and educational research articles. Result: Three main strategies are provided by artificial intelligence to give nursing students greater opportunities to develop their professional skills and critical thinking abilities. Incorporating AI systems into nursing education boosts student engagement, prepares them for work in complex healthcare environments, and facilitates the development of essential nursing skills. Conclusion: Artificial Intelligence in nursing education constitutes a tool which strengthens critical thinking abilities and increases students’ professional capabilities. Individual educational opportunities emerge through the use of company-developed AI tools that include virtual simulations with adaptive learning platforms and intelligent tutoring systems, according to this review.