AI Utilization and Clinical Judgment: Predictors of Caring Behavior Among Nursing Students

BACKGROUND: Nursing education requires integrating technology, clinical reasoning, and compassionate care. As artificial intelligence (AI) utilization expands, its role in shaping compassionate care in nursing education remains unclear. This study examined AI utilization and clinical judgment as predictors of caring behavior among nursing students. METHOD: This cross-sectional study involved 395 undergraduate nursing students, selected conveniently from higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines. Validated instruments were used in measuring perceived AI utilization, clinical judgment, and caring behavior. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's r, and hierarchical regression. RESULTS: Moderate levels of perceived AI utilization and high levels of clinical judgment and caring behavior were observed. Perceived AI utilization and clinical judgment capability were significantly, positively associated and were significant predictors of caring behavior, with the model explaining 23.9% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Integrating AI-supported learning with strategies that enhance clinical judgment may strengthen both technological competence and compassionate care among nursing students.