College Students’ Employability, Cognition, and Demands for ChatGPT in the AI Era Among Chinese Nursing Students: Web-Based Survey

Abstract

Background With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the widespread use of ChatGPT, nursing students’ artificial intelligence quotient (AIQ), employability, cognition, and demand for ChatGPT are worthy of attention. Objective We aimed to investigate Chinese nursing students’ AIQ and employability status as well as their cognition and demand for the latest AI tool—ChatGPT. This study was conducted to guide future initiatives in nursing intelligence education and to improve the employability of nursing students. Methods We used a cross-sectional survey to understand nursing college students’ AIQ, employability, cognition, and demand for ChatGPT. Using correlation analysis and multiple hierarchical regression analysis, we explored the relevant factors in the employability of nursing college students. Results In this study, out of 1788 students, 1453 (81.30%) had not used ChatGPT, and 1170 (65.40%) had never heard of ChatGPT before this survey. College students’ employability scores were positively correlated with AIQ, self-regulation ability, and their home location and negatively correlated with school level. Additionally, men scored higher on college students’ employability compared to women. Furthermore, 76.5% of the variance was explained by the multiple hierarchical regression model for predicting college students’ employability scores. Conclusions Chinese nursing students have limited familiarity and experience with ChatGPT, while their AIQ remains intermediate. Thus, educators should pay more attention to cultivating nursing students’ AIQ and self-regulation ability to enhance their employability. Employability, especially for female students, those from rural backgrounds, and students in key colleges, deserves more attention in future educational efforts.