Florida State University’s College of Nursing has made history by launching the nation’s first Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a concentration in artificial intelligence (AI). This groundbreaking initiative not only positions FSU as a leader in healthcare innovation but also underscores the critical need to integrate cutting-edge technology into nursing education and practice.
At the heart of this transformative program lies the newly established Nursing and Artificial Intelligence Innovation Consortium, a pioneering endeavor designed to bridge the gap between academic research and industry innovation.
A Visionary Collaboration
The consortium, housed within the College of Nursing’s Institute on Digital Health and Innovation (IDHI), is co-directed by a trio of industry leaders, each bringing unparalleled expertise to the table:
- Rebecca Love, a visiting professor, entrepreneur-in-residence, and one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Nursing, is a well-known advocate for nursing innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Dr. Lisa Hightow-Weidman, Distinguished McKenzie Professor and founding director of the IDHI, is a renowned digital health researcher with over $100 million in NIH-funded research, much of it focused on AI applications in healthcare.
- Dr. Jing Wang, Dean of the College of Nursing, is a recognized leader in digital health and AI, actively contributing to national initiatives such as the AI and Data Science Workgroup at the National Institute of Nursing Research.
Rebecca Love is a prominent nurse executive, entrepreneur, and advocate for nursing innovation. She founded HireNurses.com in 2013, an online platform connecting nurses with career opportunities, which was acquired by Ryalto, LTD UK in 2018.
As the first Director of Nurse Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the United States at Northeastern University, she established the Nurse Hackathon, fostering a movement that led to transformational change in the nursing profession.
In early 2019, she co-founded and served as President of the Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs & Leaders (SONSIEL), a non-profit recognized by the United Nations as an affiliate member
Dr. Lisa Hightow-Weidman is a Distinguished and Endowed McKenzie Professor and the founding director of the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation at Florida State University. Her research expertise lies in digital health technologies, focusing on developing and implementing interventions to improve health outcomes among diverse populations.
Dr. Hightow-Weidman has been instrumental in advancing digital health initiatives, contributing significantly to the integration of technology in healthcare education and practice.
Dr. Jing Wang is the Dean and Professor at Florida State University’s College of Nursing. Her research focuses on using mobile and connected health technologies to optimize lifestyle interventions and improve patient-centered outcomes among chronically ill and aging populations, particularly in underserved communities.
Dr. Wang is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and has been recognized as a 2013 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholar, 2015 TEDMED Scholar, and 2016 Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Macy Faculty Scholar. In 2021, she was named an Emerging Leader in Health and Medicine Scholar by the National Academy of Medicine.
She also serves on the Board of Trustees at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and HCA Florida Capital Hospital.
Together, these leaders are at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into nursing education and practice, positioning Florida State University as a leader in the digital transformation of healthcare.
Transforming Nursing with AI
The Nursing and Artificial Intelligence Innovation Consortium aims to prepare the next generation of nurse leaders to harness AI for improved patient care, healthcare efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. The program will focus on:
- AI-Driven Care Delivery: Exploring how AI can enhance patient outcomes through predictive analytics, personalized treatment plans, and early detection of health issues.
- Ethical and Equitable Use of AI: Equipping nurses with the knowledge to address biases in AI systems and advocate for ethical applications in diverse healthcare settings.
- Bridging Academia and Industry: Creating a collaborative environment where academic research informs real-world healthcare solutions.
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Why This Matters
As healthcare continues to evolve, AI stands at the forefront of transformation. Yet, nursing – a cornerstone of patient care – has often been underrepresented in AI-focused initiatives. The introduction of FSU’s MSN in AI is a significant step toward changing this narrative, ensuring that nurses are not just participants but leaders in the integration of AI into healthcare.
Rebecca Love captures the essence of this mission:
“The future of nursing depends on our ability to innovate. By embracing AI, we can empower nurses to take on new roles, solve complex healthcare challenges, and provide even better care for our patients.”
What’s Next?
This initiative is more than just a program – it’s a call to action for nurses across the nation. As the demand for AI expertise grows, FSU’s MSN graduates will be uniquely positioned to shape the future of healthcare.
FSU’s bold vision sets a new standard for nursing education, paving the way for other institutions to follow. With the leadership of Rebecca Love, Dr. Jing Wang, and Dr. Lisa Hightow-Weidman, the College of Nursing is set to make a lasting impact on the healthcare industry.
Learn more about FSU’s Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and the Nursing and Artificial Intelligence Innovation Consortium by visiting their official website.
