AI Image-Generation as a Teaching Strategy in Nursing Education

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) allows for the transformation of written text into artistic images. Scholars and researchers are beginning to explore the benefits of this technology to improve reflective practices and critical analysis in education. The extent to which AI-generated images can be used to explore cultural stereotypes and mental representations of the nursing profession has not yet been studied. This article describes a case study of using generative-AI images created by Midjourney with undergraduate nursing students to examine their perceptions and fears of the nursing profession. The research explored how students experienced the process of using AI-generated art as a teaching tool to increase their reflections and discussions on professional nursing topics. Images were used to encourage both individual and collaborative reflection and discussion on nursing topics. Results of this qualitative, exploratory study point to therapeutic and technological outcomes of using AI image-generation as a strategy to encourage reflection and discussion on student’s perceptions and fears of the nursing profession. Implications for education and practice are discussed.

Keywords- artificial intelligence, image-generation, Midjourney, nursing education