Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Nursing tasks like taking vitals or giving meds have only some technology support today. For instance, digital blood-pressure cuffs and linked IV pumps can automatically record data, but a nurse still oversees them. AI tools are mostly used for monitoring and basic information.

An AP News report notes hospitals are testing “AI nurses” that help with patient monitoring, answering questions, and preparing patients for procedures ^[1]. A friendly robot called Robin even plays games with children and explains simple procedures to help ease fear, which frees nurses’ time ^[1]. In contrast, hands-on care remains human.

Machines can’t yet bathe or dress patients. Even in Japan, where caregiver robots are being built, prototypes like “AIREC” can lift or move people only in testing phases ^[2]. Experts say these care robots face big technical hurdles (like safely handling patients) and won’t be common for years ^{[2] [2]}.

In short, current tech tends to augment nursing (by doing routine monitoring or information tasks) rather than fully automate the personal, compassionate work nurses do.

Whether more AI is used in nursing depends on many factors. One big driver is the nursing shortage. For example, Reuters reports Japan has only one applicant for every 4.25 nursing jobs, so hospitals there are eager for robot helpers ^[2].

In the U.S., some companies even offer virtual nursing at lower cost than human staff ^[1]. This hints at AI’s economic appeal. However, adoption has slowed by costs and concerns.

The same Reuters article warns that advanced nursing robots are expensive and likely not ready before 2030 ^[2]. Nurses’ groups also caution that too much automation could compromise care – they worry AI might miss subtle patient cues or “degrade patient-care quality” ^[1]. Social and legal factors matter too.

Many patients and families prefer a human presence, and healthcare rules (like staffing requirements) still assume people are in charge.