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Responsible Use Checklist

Attribution

Original work: "Educators' guide to multimodal learning and Generative AI" — Tünde Varga-Atkins, Samuel Saunders, et al. (2024/25) — CC BY-NC 4.0
Adapted for UK Nursing Education by: Lincoln Gombedza, RN (LD)
Last Updated: December 2025

Use these checklists to ensure responsible AI integration in nursing education. Adapt them to your specific context and needs.

For Nursing Educators​

Before the Course​

Policy and Planning​

  • Review institutional AI policies
  • Define acceptable AI use for your module
  • Create clear guidelines for students
  • Include AI policy in module handbook
  • Prepare examples of appropriate/inappropriate use
  • Plan how to address AI misuse

Curriculum Design​

  • Identify where AI can enhance learning
  • Design AI-resilient assessments
  • Include AI literacy learning outcomes
  • Balance AI-enhanced and AI-free activities
  • Plan for varied assessment methods
  • Consider equity and access issues

Personal Preparation​

  • Explore AI tools relevant to nursing
  • Practice using AI for course content
  • Identify limitations and risks
  • Prepare to model responsible use
  • Stay current with AI developments
  • Connect with other educators using AI

During the Course​

Teaching Practices​

  • Explicitly discuss AI use in first session
  • Demonstrate AI tools transparently
  • Show both successes and failures
  • Encourage critical evaluation
  • Provide structured AI activities
  • Facilitate reflection on AI use

Student Support​

  • Offer AI literacy workshops
  • Provide examples of good practice
  • Give feedback on AI use
  • Address student concerns
  • Support struggling students
  • Celebrate thoughtful AI integration

Monitoring and Adjustment​

  • Observe how students use AI
  • Gather informal feedback
  • Identify emerging issues
  • Adjust guidance as needed
  • Document what works well
  • Share insights with colleagues

After the Course​

Evaluation​

  • Review assessment outcomes
  • Analyze AI-related issues
  • Gather student feedback
  • Reflect on your practice
  • Identify improvements needed
  • Document lessons learned

Continuous Improvement​

  • Update policies based on experience
  • Revise assessments if needed
  • Share findings with team
  • Contribute to institutional policy
  • Plan changes for next iteration
  • Engage in professional development

For Nursing Students​

Before Using AI​

Understanding Context​

  • Read module AI policy carefully
  • Understand what's permitted
  • Know consequences of misuse
  • Identify when to ask for clarification
  • Review NMC Code relevance
  • Consider patient safety implications

Planning Your Approach​

  • Define your learning objective
  • Try task independently first
  • Identify specific help needed
  • Choose appropriate AI tool
  • Plan how to verify outputs
  • Prepare to document process

While Using AI​

Critical Engagement​

  • Question AI responses
  • Check for errors and bias
  • Verify against authoritative sources
  • Consider alternative perspectives
  • Evaluate clinical relevance
  • Assess patient safety implications

Ethical Practice​

  • Never input patient-identifiable data
  • Respect copyright and attribution
  • Use AI as supplement, not replacement
  • Maintain academic integrity
  • Follow institutional policies
  • Prepare to disclose AI use

Documentation​

  • Save prompts used
  • Record AI responses
  • Note how you modified output
  • Document verification process
  • Reflect on learning
  • Prepare to explain your work

After Using AI​

Verification​

  • Cross-check against textbooks
  • Consult peer-reviewed sources
  • Discuss with peers or mentors
  • Test understanding independently
  • Identify remaining gaps
  • Plan further learning

Reflection​

  • What did you actually learn?
  • Could you do this without AI now?
  • Was AI the best tool for this?
  • How will you apply this knowledge?
  • What would you do differently?
  • How does this relate to practice?

Academic Integrity​

  • Disclose AI use if required
  • Cite sources properly
  • Ensure work represents your understanding
  • Be prepared to defend your work
  • Maintain professional standards
  • Uphold NMC Code values

For Programme Leaders​

Strategic Planning​

Policy Development​

  • Establish institutional AI policy
  • Consult stakeholders
  • Align with NMC standards
  • Create discipline-specific guidance
  • Plan regular policy reviews
  • Communicate clearly to all

Curriculum Integration​

  • Audit current AI use
  • Identify integration opportunities
  • Ensure consistent approach
  • Plan phased implementation
  • Allocate resources
  • Set evaluation criteria

Staff Development​

  • Assess staff AI literacy
  • Provide training opportunities
  • Create support networks
  • Share best practices
  • Encourage experimentation
  • Recognize innovation

Quality Assurance​

Monitoring​

  • Track AI-related incidents
  • Monitor assessment outcomes
  • Gather stakeholder feedback
  • Review external examiner reports
  • Analyze student performance
  • Identify trends and patterns

Evaluation​

  • Assess learning outcomes
  • Review policy effectiveness
  • Evaluate resource allocation
  • Measure staff confidence
  • Analyze student satisfaction
  • Compare with sector benchmarks

Continuous Improvement​

  • Act on evaluation findings
  • Update policies and practices
  • Share learning across institution
  • Contribute to sector knowledge
  • Plan future developments
  • Maintain quality standards

For Clinical Practice Educators​

Placement Preparation​

Understanding Context​

  • Review university AI policies
  • Understand student expectations
  • Discuss with placement team
  • Identify appropriate AI use in practice
  • Consider patient confidentiality
  • Plan how to assess AI literacy

Setting Expectations​

  • Discuss AI use with students
  • Clarify practice area policies
  • Explain professional standards
  • Model appropriate use
  • Address student questions
  • Establish boundaries

During Placement​

Supervision​

  • Observe student AI use
  • Provide constructive feedback
  • Encourage critical thinking
  • Ensure patient safety
  • Support learning
  • Document concerns if needed

Assessment​

  • Assess independent reasoning
  • Evaluate practical skills
  • Test knowledge application
  • Observe professional behavior
  • Provide balanced feedback
  • Report to university

Quick Reference: When to Use AI​

✅ Appropriate AI Use​

For Students:

  • Generating initial ideas for care plans (with verification)
  • Creating study materials (flashcards, summaries)
  • Practicing communication scenarios
  • Exploring unfamiliar topics (as starting point)
  • Creating visual aids for presentations
  • Translating complex concepts

For Educators:

  • Generating case scenarios
  • Creating assessment questions (with review)
  • Developing teaching materials
  • Summarizing research (with verification)
  • Brainstorming activity ideas
  • Adapting content for different levels

❌ Inappropriate AI Use​

For Students:

  • Completing assessments without disclosure
  • Inputting patient-identifiable information
  • Replacing clinical reasoning
  • Avoiding required learning processes
  • Submitting AI work as own
  • Using during closed-book exams

For Educators:

  • Replacing human teaching entirely
  • Automated grading without review
  • Inputting student personal data
  • Relying on AI for clinical decisions
  • Using without understanding limitations
  • Ignoring bias and errors

Emergency Checklist: Suspected AI Misuse​

Immediate Steps​

  1. Document the concern
  2. Review relevant policies
  3. Gather evidence
  4. Consult with colleagues
  5. Follow institutional procedures
  6. Maintain confidentiality

Student Conversation​

  1. Arrange private meeting
  2. Present concerns factually
  3. Listen to student explanation
  4. Explain policy clearly
  5. Discuss consequences
  6. Agree on next steps

Follow-Up​

  1. Document conversation
  2. Report as required
  3. Provide support
  4. Monitor situation
  5. Review prevention strategies
  6. Learn from incident

Self-Assessment Tools​

For Educators​

Rate your confidence (1-5):

  • I understand AI capabilities and limitations
  • I can model responsible AI use
  • I design AI-resilient assessments
  • I provide clear AI guidance to students
  • I stay current with AI developments
  • I evaluate AI use critically

Action: Areas rated 1-3 need development

For Students​

Honest self-check:

  • I understand when AI use is appropriate
  • I always verify AI information
  • I can work effectively without AI
  • I disclose AI use when required
  • I understand AI limitations
  • I maintain academic integrity

Action: Any "no" responses need attention

Resources​

Policy Templates​

  • Institutional AI policy framework
  • Module-specific guidelines
  • Student AI use agreement
  • Assessment rubrics

Support Materials​

  • AI literacy workshop materials
  • Case study examples
  • Reflection prompts
  • Discussion guides

Professional Development​

  • Online courses and webinars
  • Professional body resources
  • Research and evidence
  • Community forums

Final Reminders​

For Everyone​

Remember:

  • AI is a tool, not a solution
  • Human judgment is irreplaceable
  • Patient safety is paramount
  • Professional integrity matters
  • Continuous learning is essential
  • We're all learning together

When in Doubt:

  • Ask for clarification
  • Err on the side of caution
  • Consult policies and guidelines
  • Seek advice from colleagues
  • Prioritize learning and safety
  • Maintain professional standards

🧠 Knowledge Check

Which of the following is an **inappropriate** use of AI by a nursing student?

Congratulations! You've completed the Responsible Use section. Continue exploring other sections of the AI Educator Toolkit to learn more about effective AI integration in nursing education.