8.3 SON Generative AI Policy
School of Nursing - Generative AI Use Policy
In alignment with the University of Northwestern - St. Paul’s mission and AI policy, the School of Nursing supports the ethical and discerning use of Generative AI tools while maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, clinical safety, and professional conduct.
Guiding Principles
Integrity: AI use must never replace the student’s original thought, analysis, or skill demonstration.
Transparency: All AI use in assignments must be disclosed and cited according to faculty instructions.
Discernment: Students must critically evaluate any AI-generated information before using it.
Safety: AI may not be used for clinical decision-making or patient documentation without faculty oversight, and must never include any protected health information (HIPAA compliance).
Acceptable Uses (with Disclosure)
Brainstorming ideas or creating outlines for projects
Practicing NCLEX-style questions or creating study materials
Grammar, spelling, or clarity suggestions (e.g., Grammarly)
Generating non-clinical examples for concept clarification
When AI tools are used, students must:
Clearly state in the assignment how AI was used.
Provide a proper citation in APA format.
Attach an AI Use Appendix, including:
Tool and version/date used
Exact prompts used (verbatim)
Relevant output excerpts
Student’s evaluation of the output’s accuracy, bias, and how it was revised for use
Prohibited Uses
Using AI to write entire assignments, care plans, patient scenarios, or reflections without permission
Submitting AI-generated work as one’s own without disclosure (plagiarism)
Using AI for clinical decision-making, charting, or any content involving actual patient data
Copying and pasting AI-generated answers without evaluation or revision
Faculty Discretion & Accountability
Faculty have full authority to determine if and how AI tools may be used in their courses.
If AI misuse is suspected, faculty may require the student to:
Meet in person to explain their work and process
Demonstrate understanding of the assignment content without AI assistance
Provide drafts/version history, sources, or notes
Reproduce a comparable portion under supervision
AI-detection scores may be used as one indicator, but will not be the sole basis for a finding. Additional evidence will be considered.
Unauthorized AI use will be addressed under the University’s academic integrity policy and may result in grade penalties or further disciplinary action.
Clinical Boundaries
AI may never replace professional nursing judgment and must be used in ways consistent with the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, prioritizing patient safety, privacy, and welfare.
Condensed Syllabus Paragraph
Use of Generative AI Tools: In this course, AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly) may only be used if permitted by the instructor, must be disclosed, and must be cited according to APA guidelines. If used, attach an AI Use Appendix listing the tool, version, date, your exact prompts, relevant output, and your evaluation of accuracy and bias. All work must reflect your own original thought, clinical reasoning, and voice. Faculty may request a meeting to discuss your work or require additional evidence of authorship. AI cannot be used for clinical decision-making, charting, or any content involving real patient data. Misuse will be addressed under academic integrity policies.
AI Use Self-Check Decision Tree
Did my instructor say AI use is allowed for this assignment?
No → Do not use AI.
Yes → Go to Step 2.
Am I using AI to assist my thinking (brainstorm, outline, refine) rather than replace it?
No → AI use may be unacceptable. Ask before proceeding.
Yes → Go to Step 3.
Am I willing to disclose exactly how I used AI and cite it properly?
No → Do not use AI.
Yes → Go to Step 4.
Am I critically reviewing AI output for accuracy, bias, and relevance, especially for nursing content?
No → Revise your process before using.
Yes → Proceed with AI use, and document it in your submission.