Perceptions of Intensive Care Nurses Toward Artificial Intelligence Technologies: A Qualitative Study

Intensive care nurses play a pivotal role in patient care; however, their perceptions and concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI) in intensive care units remain limited. This study aimed to explore ICU nurses' views on AI to support effective integration strategies. A qualitative descriptive design with interpretive elements was conducted between September and December 2025 in multiple hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. Using purposive snowball sampling, 22 ICU nurses participated in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed inductively using interpretive description. Six themes were identified: knowledge and awareness of AI, experiences with AI, impact on nursing care, role in clinical decision-making, ethical and safety risks, and educational needs and future expectations. Findings revealed that nurses had limited and fragmented knowledge of AI, with mostly indirect exposure. While AI was perceived as having the potential to improve care quality and support clinical decisions, concerns were raised regarding loss of autonomy, data security, device errors, and accountability. Participants also emphasized the irreplaceable role of human presence in care and highlighted a clear need for structured education and institutional support.