Rounds with Leadership: AI as a Catalyst for Innovation

In keeping with our recently reaffirmed mission statement, AACN is committed to leading and championing innovation in nursing education, research, and practice. The Board of Directors is intentional about advancing this core purpose by surveying the landscape of higher education and healthcare to ensure the organization’s priorities are responsive to the needs of member deans, faculty, students, and invested colleagues.

Every July, the Board hosts a Thought Leaders Assembly with invited experts and representatives from academia and practice to consider topics requiring in-depth review. This year, the event focused on the potential of AI to transform nursing education. The discussion engaged 33 participants, including representatives from 16 schools of nursing, who considered how AI can support innovation, excellence, and equitable outcomes across the nursing profession.

High-level takeaways from the stimulating conversation included:

"AI is not an add-on—it’s a core competency. It’s not something to fear, but it does demand caution and responsibility. With the right preparation, nurses can lead the way in ensuring AI enhances care, promotes equity, and upholds the human-centered values of our profession." 
Dr. Michael Cary, Duke University

"Though AI can simulate aspects of human intelligence, it cannot reason—making the human role of learning, critical thinking, and application essential."
Dr. Jane Carrington, Nursing Informatics Working, Group, AMIA

"While AI holds significant potential to transform healthcare, it must be harnessed thoughtfully. AI is not always accurate and should serve as an in informant – not a sole decision maker."
Dr. Kenya Beard, Mercy University

"Patients are now consumers of AI, and its integration into healthcare must prioritize safety, equity, and transparency."
Patricia McGaffigan, Institute of Healthcare Improvement

The presenters engaged attendees to clearly define terms connected to AI; consider the relationship between data science, informatics, and AI; assess concerns, risks, and the ethical use of AI; and explore opportunities to leverage AI in clinical and academic settings. Throughout the day’s dialogue, participants considered how to ensure that nursing remains at the forefront of the AI revolution and how nurse educators can lead the way. A full report from the 2025 Thought Leaders Assembly, which includes a snapshot of the challenges, risks, and opportunities connected with AI, is posted online.

New AI Content Hub Launched

As leaders in academic nursing, we are acutely aware of the need to re-envision how we educate the next generation of nurses to thrive in a system undergoing rapid change. To remain relevant, we must prepare now for fundamental and irreversible change in healthcare and higher education, with AI driving innovation in pedagogy and practice.

AACN has just launched a new web resource – Integrating AI in Nursing Education – as a go-to source for the latest information and opportunities for nurse educators to explore applications of AI in teaching and learning. The site provides easy access to upcoming and archived webinars, on-demand conference sessions, key reports, and research on emerging trends and new developments. AACN is currently seeking video submissions from nurse researchers and thought leaders who would like to share their scholarship and perspectives with the larger academic nursing community. 

We encourage all members and colleagues to review this new web page, which was created to stimulate dialogue and spark innovation. This content hub will be updated each week as new programs, reports, and engagement opportunities are announced. To recommend additional resources for inclusion, please contact rrosseter@aacnnuring.org.

About AACN's Rounds with Leadership

The AACN Rounds with Leadership is a monthly forum for AACN’s Board Chair and President/CEO to offer commentary on issues and trends impacting academic nursing.

Read recent Rounds with Leadership