Publication:

Artificial intelligence and the domino effect in nursing: implications for education, clinical care and healthcare systems amid a workforce shortage

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative technology in healthcare, offering innovative solutions to address complex challenges such as increasing patient demands, technological advancements, and the global nursing workforce shortage. The integration of AI into nursing practice has the potential to create a domino effect across multiple dimensions of healthcare systems, including clinical care, nursing education, and workforce management. This critical review examines the current evidence on the role of artificial intelligence in nursing and explores its implications for healthcare delivery amid workforce shortages. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google scholar, focusing on studies published between 2015 and 2025. The findings indicate that AI technologies such as machine learning, predictive analytics, natural language processing, and robotics are increasingly being used to support clinical decision-making, enhance patient monitoring, automate administrative tasks, and improve healthcare efficiency. In nursing education, AI-driven simulation and adaptive learning platforms are enhancing clinical reasoning and skill development among students. However, challenges related to ethical concerns, data privacy, technological infrastructure, and workforce preparedness remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. The review highlights the need for integrating AI competencies into nursing curricula and developing regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible implementation. Artificial intelligence should be viewed as a complementary tool that strengthens nursing practice, enhances patient outcomes, and supports sustainable healthcare systems in the context of ongoing workforce shortages.