Abstract:

Objective To explore the impact path of self-efficacy on artificial intelligence(AI) readiness among nursing interns,and to analyze the mediating role of self-directed learning ability and the moderating role of AI attitude in the direct path from self-efficacy to AI readiness. Methods In October 2025,a convenience sampling method was used to select nursing interns from a tertiary A-grade hospital in Hangzhou as the participants. A questionnaire survey was conducted using the General Information Questionnaire,General Self-Efficacy Scale,Self-directed Learning Ability Scale,and an AI Readiness Scale for Medical Students. Results A total of 458 nursing interns were included in the study. Their general self-efficacy scores were(29.85±5.45),self-directed learning ability scores were (106.42±15.21),medical student AI readiness scores were(80.02±13.90),and AI attitude scores were(4.29±0.60). All four variables showed significant positive correlations between each other(P<0.05). Self-directed learning ability played a partial mediating role between self-efficacy and AI readiness,accounting for 54.63% of the total effect. AI attitude had a negative moderating effect on the path from self-efficacy to AI readiness(β=-0.104,P=0.025). Conclusion Self-efficacy not only directly influences the AI readiness of nursing interns but also indirectly affects it through self-directed learning ability. AI attitude plays a negative moderating role in the process by which self-efficacy directly influences nursing interns’ AI readiness. In nursing education practice,attention should be paid to enhancing self-efficacy improvement,cultivating their self-learning ability cultivation,and providing targeted guidance on their AI attitude,in order to systematically enhance their future professional adaptability in the smart medical environment.

Key words: Nursing Interns, Self-efficacy, Artificial Intelligence Readiness, Self-directed Learning Ability, Artificial Intelligence Attitude, Mediation Effect, Moderating Effect