Nursing students at Red Deer Polytechnic are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to support their academic work, according to new research from the school’s School of Health & Wellness. The study, which highlights how students navigate this emerging technology, suggests that clear guidance is needed to help prepare future nurses for an industry where artificial intelligence is becoming standard.
The research, which was presented at the school’s Research Showcase in March 2026, found that many students rely on tools like ChatGPT to generate ideas, organize their studies, and clarify complex course content. While the tools can act as facilitators for academic success, the study identified that students are also facing uncertainty. Many expressed fear about being perceived as cheating and raised concerns regarding the accuracy and reliability of information provided by artificial intelligence.
The research team consisted of students Stephanie Jacobi, Austyn Womacks-Unger, Atiya Pira, Ashley Maksymiw, and Rachel Young, alongside faculty members Raigne Symes, Daphne Kennedy, and Dr. Brenda Query. Their work is part of a broader shift in healthcare training, as the Canadian Nurses Association notes that artificial intelligence is expected to impact every aspect of nursing, from administrative tasks to bedside care, by 2026.
As the use of these tools continues to evolve, professional organizations are also beginning to provide more structure for the field. For example, the College of Nurses of Ontario acknowledges that artificial intelligence is already part of nursing practice and is working to help nurses understand how to use these technologies safely and effectively. At Red Deer Polytechnic, these findings provide a foundation for developing clearer guidance for students across the institution’s nursing programs, which include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Practical Nurse Diploma, and the Licensed Practical Nurse to BScN Transition Program.
