Implications of ChatGPT and Generative Language Models for Nursing Science and PhD Education

Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), developed by OpenAI and launched in November 2022, is a large language model that has gained attention across research, educational, and professional domains. It generates text in response to user prompts, drawing from a vast dataset including books, articles, and unverified sources. While ChatGPT offers potential for academic writing and knowledge synthesis, it challenges traditional scientific inquiry by bypassing hypothesis-driven research. Its use in nursing education and research raises concerns about academic integrity, data privacy, and the quality of scientific output. This paper examines the use and best practices of ChatGPT among researchers, faculty, and students in graduate-level nursing education. Best practices for using ChatGPT in nursing academia include collaborative education on AI tools, establishing guidelines for AI use, and promoting a culture of transparency. By critically evaluating AI-generated output, nurse scientists can leverage these tools for enhanced scientific inquiry. As AI continues to evolve, nursing education must adapt to ensure the responsible and effective use of such technologies in advancing healthcare outcomes.