Redefining pedagogy with artificial intelligence: How nursing students are shaping the future of learning

Aim: This study aimed to explore the factors influencing undergraduate nursing students' use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their studies, examining how this usage shapes their learning experiences and perceptions of traditional pedagogical approaches. Background: The integration of AI into healthcare is rapidly transforming clinical practice, which in turn necessitates a corresponding shift in nursing education. While AI's potential benefits and challenges in education are widely discussed, limited research has focused on how nursing students specifically use these tools in their nursing studies and how this impacts their learning processes. Design: A qualitative study employing exploratory and descriptive designs. Methods: Participants were recruited from an undergraduate nursing program at a tertiary university. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data. Results: Key findings revealed that nursing students use AI for personalized learning, bridging the theory-practice gap and managing time constraints. International students particularly found AI valuable for cultural adaptation and language support. A significant finding was the “open secret” of AI use, with students actively using tools despite institutional discouragement, highlighting a disconnect between student needs and institutional practices. Ethical concerns, such as bias, data privacy and accountability, were also prominent. Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into the student-driven demand for AI integration in nursing education. It highlights the need for institutional responsiveness, transparency and the development of ethical AI frameworks. By acknowledging student agency and fostering collaborative dialogue, nursing education can leverage AI's benefits effectively while upholding the profession's core values: compassion, empathy and human-centered care.