Ethical Issues in Nursing Practice in the Artificial Intelligence Era

Abstract

Nursing has long been recognized as one of the oldest and most trusted professions worldwide. The modern concept of nursing was articulated by Florence Nightingale in the 1890s, particularly through her work during the Crimean War. Nurses occupy a central position at the intersection of patients, families, physicians, healthcare institutions, and society. Ethics is therefore not an adjunct to nursing practice but one of its defining foundations.

As health systems become increasingly complex driven by technological advancement, commercialization of care, and shifting social values, the ethical challenges faced by nurses have grown in both frequency and intensity. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has added a new layer of complexity. On the one hand, AI can ease workloads, improve efficiency, and support clinical decision-making; on the other, it blurs the boundary between human-generated and machine-generated information, making it difficult at times to distinguish what is authentic, contextual, and trustworthy. Addressing ethical issues in this evolving scenario is no longer optional; it is fundamental to safe, compassionate, and just healthcare. Ethical challenges are neither rare nor peripheral in nursing practice. They are intrinsic to the profession’s identity. Practicing ethically not only protects patients but also preserves the dignity, integrity, and sustainability of the profession.