Abstract

Introduction: In the context of digital transformation and the increasing application of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, nursing students need to be equipped not only with professional knowledge but also with AI literacy and creative thinking to enhance their career development competence. However, empirical evidence regarding the relationship between these factors among nursing students in Vietnam remains limited. Objectives: To examine the relationship between AI literacy, creative thinking, and perceived career development competence among nursing students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 first- to third-year nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Health Sciences, using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data were collected from September to October 2025. Results: The mean AI literacy score was 132.37±40.71, the mean creative thinking score was 66.84±10.34, and the mean perceived career development competence score was 74.24±14.49. Perceived career development competence differed significantly according to year of study, reason for choosing the nursing profession, and level of career satisfaction (p<0.05). Additionally, perceived career development competence was moderately and positively correlated with AI literacy and creative thinking (r=0.445 and r=0.429, respectively; p<0.001). Conclusions: AI literacy and creative thinking are significantly associated with perceived career development competence among nursing students, highlighting the need to integrate AI education and creativity development into nursing education programs.