Artificial Intelligence Adoption and its Influence on Professional Identity among Clinical Nurses in Riyadh: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: The growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical practice is reshaping the roles and responsibilities of nurses, raising questions about how this technological shift influences their professional identity. While prior research has largely examined technology acceptance or patient-level outcomes, less attention has been paid to how AI adoption relates to the professional dimension of nursing practice. Aim: This study examined the artificial intelligence integration among clinical nurses in Riyadh and its association with their professional identity. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed using a structured, self-constructed, validated questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.751) distributed via Google Forms. A total of 278 registered clinical nurses from four hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were selected using convenience sampling technique. AI adoption was measured across four dimensions (frequency of use, perceived usefulness, ease of use, and integration into daily practice), and professional identity was measured across four dimensions (self-perception, role clarity, professional values, and perceived autonomy), each using 5-point Likert scales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson r correlation, independent-samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. Results: Findings have shown that clinical nurses demonstrated a moderate overall level of AI adoption (M = 2.975), with perceived usefulness rated highest and integration into daily practice rated lowest. Nurses reported a high overall level of professional identity (M = 3.763), driven most strongly by perceived autonomy, followed by self-perception and professional values, while role clarity was comparatively weaker. A moderately strong, positive correlation was found between AI adoption and professional identity (r = 0.5168, p = 0.001). Significant differences in AI adoption and professional identity emerged across age group, years of clinical experience, and unit of assignment, but not by gender or educational attainment. Conclusion: AI adoption among clinical nurses does not appear to erode professional identity; rather, greater exposure to AI-driven technologies is associated with a stronger sense of professional identity, particularly through perceived usefulness and autonomy. Role clarity remains an area requiring institutional attention. Structured training, clear role communication, and AI literacy initiatives are recommended to support nurses' professional identity as AI integration in clinical settings continues to expand.