AI assistants are being increasingly used in healthcare to automate tasks traditionally performed by nurses, aiming to reduce burnout and streamline operations.

While hospitals say AI improves efficiency, nursing unions argue that these technologies undermine nurses' expertise and can compromise patient care.

AI companies like Hippocratic AI offer assistants at a fraction of the cost of a nurse, which raises concerns among unions about the potential for technology to replace caregivers.

Hospitals are also facing issues with AI-generated false alarms and inaccurate advice, which nurses believe can be dangerous if not carefully managed.

Some hospitals are using AI for administrative tasks, like making calls to prepare patients for surgery, improving efficiency and reducing burnout.

However, AI companies envision a broader role for their technology, including humanlike avatars for patient communication and chronic pain management.

Experts argue that while AI may help with routine tasks, it may not be suitable for complex cases involving the very sick.

Nurses caution that patient care should remain a human-driven process, with AI serving as a tool rather than a replacement.