Description

Verbal communication is more than just a top five employment skill in nursing, being able to communicate therapeutically and with empathy is a fundamental competency required of entry-to-practice practitioners of all levels (AACN, 2021; Broeckelman-Post et al., 2022; McGunagle & Zizka, 2020). Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used in higher education every day in a wide range of areas such as mathematics, foreign language development, and healthcare professions. AI chatbots have been integrated into the nursing curriculum with positive outcomes for both students and faculty (Chang et al., 2021; Srinivasan et al., 2024). After a review of the literature, there was a lack of AI chatbots being used to train nursing students in difficult conversations.

This study explores the integration of an AI-based communication tool to prepare nursing students for difficult conversations with patients and family members. Effective communication is essential in nursing, yet AI's role in training for difficult conversations is underexplored. The study's objective is to develop and evaluate a tiered, experiential approach to help both undergraduate and graduate nursing students navigate such conversations. The process involves students practicing with an AI-based communication tool, receiving immediate feedback on their communication, and later engaging with a standardized patient. Preliminary results show positive outcomes, with final data to be presented at the conference.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe an AI-based communication tool that was developed for training nursing students in difficult conversations.
2. Discuss the impact of the AI-based communication tool on enhancing nursing students' communication skills.

Speakers

Lauren Guthrie, MSN, RN, CNE-n
Nursing Instructor, Creighton University College of Nursing

Lindsay Iverson, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, CHSE
Associate Professor, Creighton University College of Nursing

Kara Morgan, MSN, RN
Nursing Instructor, Creighton University College of Nursing

Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Recording date: July 18, 2025
Date of original release: July 18, 2025
Most recent review/update: July 18, 2025
Termination date: July 17, 2028