‎They Said AI Can’t Replace Nurses Because of ‘Human Touch’

‎Are we practical or simply emotional?

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‎I attended a nurses’ conference recently, and I must say it was a great experience. From the presentations to the new connections and new nursing policies being disclosed in my country.

There were several topics discussed. One was titled: ‎

‎“Humanizing healthcare in the era of technology and innovation” ‎

‎It focused on the relevance of AI to nursing while convincingly and confidently stating that AI could not replace nursing and nurses because of the “human touch.” ‎ ‎At that point, I knew I had to ask a question—and I did. ‎ ‎I presented examples of AI chat systems that could converse with patients with a sense of compassion and “emotions.” I also pointed out how far technology has gone in making healthcare personalized and accessible, sometimes without nurses directly in the equation. ‎ ‎But still, I was given the same “human touch” response. ‎ ‎I knew this was an emotional response, and I also know that we have to be very practical.

‎So now, to the real talk: Can AI replace nurses?

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‎It is a yes and no situation. ‎ ‎For those who stay updated and technologically savvy, no might be the most appropriate answer. But for those in constant denial and with heightened emotions, it is most likely a yes; the system might replace you.

‎What is happening now in healthcare?

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‎People do not just want services, they want efficiency, ease, and accessibility. And that is why AI is needed more than ever. ‎ ‎Beside emergency care like CPR, even chronic care management is now increasingly supported by families and non-clinical systems. ‎ ‎We might be doing ourselves a disservice if we rest on a weak pillar of “human touch” when we are not the only humans in a patient’s world.

‎Dear colleagues,

‎Let us wake up to this new reality; grow, and advance with it. We cannot be change agents if it is even difficult for us to embrace change. ‎ ‎Now, this is a call for every nurse to upgrade—first by accepting this new change, and then by learning skills that will make us more relevant and truly indispensable in providing the care we love to give. ‎ ‎What do you think about this?

Do you also think human touch is enough to define our relevance with the current spiral in tech? ‎ ‎Let’s talk.

Thanks for reading 🌹