AI in Healthcare: Navigating Nurses’ Top Concerns

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is top of mind for clinicians as the market becomes more and more inundated with technologies promising to “disrupt” traditional healthcare delivery. But it is often that precise notion, disrupting an evidence-based and tradition-entrenched profession, that makes nurses particularly uneasy about AI in healthcare.

A recent article in Becker’s Hospital Review,¹ shared nurses’ concerns that AI in healthcare will be ineffective and interfere with patient care. Some nurses have even gone so far as to vote in favor of ratifying new union contracts² that include protections against use of new AI technologies.

Their voices are powerful, and their concerns are understandable. But it’s important to avoid the “nirvana fallacy” – the idea that technology must be flawless and free of risk to be beneficial. Rather, it is the responsibility of AI-driven technology companies to meet nurses where they are - to showcase how their technology is designed to help (not hinder) nursing care and, most importantly, demonstrate how the AI is intended to support them but not replace their expertise.

Understanding Nurses' Concerns with AI in Healthcare

1. Data Privacy and Security: With patient confidentiality on the line, nurses are understandably wary about data security in AI tools, which often access sensitive patient information. AI technology companies must address this concern by ensuring rigorous encryption, data governance, and clear policies to protect patient privacy. 

2. Accuracy and Reliability: Concerns over AI accuracy are common. As reported by Becker’s Hospital Review,³ 61% of nurses do not trust the accuracy of AI. However, evidence shows AI can bolster accuracy by providing real-time and predictive analytics, which can help prevent errors without compromising nurses' authority over patient care. 

3. Workflow Disruption and Complexity: Nurses often worry that AI could increase their administrative workload instead of reducing it. However, research supports that when AI is thoughtfully designed, it simplifies workflows by reducing repetitive tasks and providing concise data insights.⁴ AI can synthesize large amounts of information, freeing up nurses’ time so they can focus on direct patient care. 

4. Job Security: A common fear is that AI may replace human roles. Yet studies show AI in healthcare is most effective as a supportive tool rather than a replacement. AI helps nurses manage workloads in many cases, improving patient monitoring, and prioritizing care. Surgical Safety Technologies (SST), for example, developed its Black Box Platform to complement clinical expertise by improving decision-making and streamlining workflows – it is not designed to replace skilled clinicians. 

Exploring the Evidence

These are just a few concerns nurses, other clinicians, and frontline staff have about leveraging AI in healthcare, but there are more. Our recent white paper, “Top 10 Concerns of Leveraging AI in Healthcare,”⁵ reviews the most common objections in depth – identifying where the concern originates, what the research reports, and how SST is thoughtful about each concern in developing and deploying its AI-driven technology.  

Moving Toward a Balanced Future of AI in Healthcare

While concerns about AI in healthcare are understandable, its role as an assistive technology offers substantial benefits to nursing. The future of healthcare looks brighter, safer, and smarter when healthcare organizations adopt AI tools that enhance—not replace—clinical decision-making. 

AI will never replace the human judgment and compassion that nurses bring to the frontlines of patient care. Instead, it stands as a powerful partner that can offer enhanced capabilities to support and elevate their work. Learn more about the thoughtful design and application of AI and the top concerns regarding its use by reading our white paper, “Top 10 Concerns of Leveraging AI in Healthcare.”⁵  

Recommended Reading

1. Bruce, G. (2024, June 14). “I don’t ever trust Epic to be correct”: Nurses raise more AI concerns. Becker’s Health IT. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/ehrs/i-dont-ever-trust-epic-to-be-correct-nurses-raise-more-ai-concerns.html.

2. National Nurses United. (2024, October 22). Nurses at 17 HCA facilities in six states ratify new union contracts [Press Release]. https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/nurses-at-17-hca-facilities-in-six-states-ratify-new-union-contracts.

3. Bruce, G. (2024, October1). Nurses’ top 10 AI concerns. Becker’s Health IT. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/innovation/nurses-top-10-ai-concerns.html.

4. Rony, M.K.K, Parvin, R., & Ferdousi, S. (2023). Advancing nursing practice with artificial intelligence: Enhancing preparedness for the future. Nursing Open;11(1). https://www.doi.org/10.1002/nop2.2070.

5. Surgical Safety Technologies (2025). Top 10 Concerns of Leveraging AI in Healthcare [White Paper]. www.surgicalsafety.com/resources/top-10-concerns-of-leveraging-ai-in-healthcare.