🩺 How Nurse Leaders Can Leverage AI to Improve Outcome

If you’re still hesitant about using AI in nursing leadership, you’re already behind. The truth is—AI isn’t replacing nurse leaders, it’s enhancing them.

When I first started using AI, I didn’t really have a plan. I was just playing around with it, using it for small things here and there.

I’ve always loved writing, and when I started using AI to help me organize my thoughts, my writing improved.

Then I began using it with intention—to grow as a person, a nurse leader, and a business owner.

As I learned more about prompting, I realized just how powerful this tool really is.

I went from using it for little tasks to now being able to write a Plan of Correction or any document I need within minutes.

Through my own DON Program Assistant, available right on my website, I now help other nurses and nurse leaders improve their documentation, strengthen their systems, and get better outcomes.

AI isn’t going to replace nurses—not at all. It can’t do the hands-on work that makes our profession what it is. But what it can do is fill the one gap we all struggle with—time.

Imagine finishing documentation in minutes instead of hours. Imagine getting ideas for a complex resident you’ve run out of options for.

Imagine your nurses’ notes being complete, compliant, and consistent every time.

Or writing an incident report with a solid root cause and monitoring plan before lunch.

That’s what AI brings to the table—and yes, I’m already taking full advantage of it.

💡 How I’m Using AI in My Day-to-Day

Let’s keep it real—our days as nurse leaders are packed. Between meetings, audits, and staffing fires, finding time to think is rare. That’s where AI steps in like your behind-the-scenes partner.

Here’s how I use it:

• Documentation Support: I use it to structure progress notes, audit tools, and policies.

• Survey Prep: It helps create mock survey questions to quiz staff before the real thing.

• Staff Communication: From onboarding emails to staff shoutouts—it keeps my tone polished but still personal.

  
  

And let’s be honest—instead of spending hours writing a Plan of Correction, I now write one in minutes.

 That’s not cutting corners—that’s working smarter. Imagine what you could do with that extra time to coach your team or check in on residents.

Let’s use AI not only to make ourselves better leaders but to actually improve the outcomes for our residents.

🧠 It’s All in the Prompt

AI is only as good as the person asking the question. The better the question, the better the answer.

Here’s a quick example:

• ❌ “Write a plan of correction.”

• ✅ “Write a plan of correction for F689 (Free of Accidents) related to a fall incident with a fractured right femur, including root cause, corrective actions, and monitoring plan.”

  
  

See the difference? One gives clarity and purpose, the other doesn’t.

It’s not about knowing tech—it’s about thinking like a leader and giving direction.

That’s what I teach my mentees: how to use AI as a thought partner, not a replacement. Because if you feed it fluff, you’ll get fluff.

💬 A Partner, Not a Replacement

Let’s stop the fear talk. AI isn’t here to take your job—it’s here to make you better at it.

It can’t hold a resident’s hand or teach empathy. But it can help you organize your thoughts, create structure, and sharpen your decision-making.

AI doesn’t replace critical thinking—it expands it.

When I use it, I’m not checking out. I’m actually showing up better. It helps me plan, communicate, and lead with more clarity. Once you see what it can do, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.

👩🏽‍💻 How My Mentees Are Using AI

It’s not just me—my mentees are on board too.

One uses the DON Program Assistant to create educational outlines for new hires.

Another uses it for improvement plans and to write policies.

And one of my favorites uses it after tough leadership days—asking AI to help her turn challenges into lessons.

They’re saving time, building confidence, and improving outcomes across the board.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Nurse leaders who embrace innovation are the ones who will shape the future of healthcare.

The key is using AI responsibly—not to replace your judgment, but to enhance it.

So if you haven’t started exploring AI yet, this is your sign. Try it for documentation, brainstorming, or even journaling after a long day.

You’ll be amazed how much it helps you grow as a leader.

Remember—Planning and Preparation Produces Positive Outcomes. #ButDidYouFollowThrough 💜

🩷 Try the DON Program Assistant

Want to see how AI can support you as a Director of Nursing or nurse leader?Visit www.directorofnursingtraining.com and try the DON Program Assistant — your on-demand AI partner for writing plans of correction, improving documentation, and building leadership strategies that work.

Lead with Love,

YourFavNurseLeader 💜

Founder, Welcome to Long Term Care

Creator of the Director of Nursing Training Program and DON Program Assistant