Nicolet College Nursing Faculty Member Speaks on AI in Health Care at Wisconsin State Capitol

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Erica Neilitz, simulation coordinator at Nicolet College, spoke to the Study Committee on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care at the Wisconsin Capitol on Sept. 10, 2026. 

Neilitz was invited to present to the committee because of her experience in nursing education and simulation. She presented alongside representatives from the School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Medical College of Wisconsin. Neilitz provided perspective on the use of artificial intelligence in the health care education setting as well as the nursing profession. 

“There is significant value in artificial intelligence in health care, but it has to remain a tool that humans use responsibly. As AI becomes more integrated into practice, we need to make sure nurses are prepared to use it without losing the clinical judgment, critical thinking and caring that are foundational to nursing,” said Neilitz. 

At Nicolet College, Neilitz facilitates nursing simulations that allow students to practice and develop communication, clinical judgment, teamwork, decision-making and nursing skills, which prepares them for real-life experiences. 

The study committee consists of legislators and members who were nominated and selected from the public. The committee was “interested in how we, as educators, use artificial intelligence and any risks we see with it. They were also interested in responsible student use, AI literacy, and any recommendations we may have for policymakers,” said Neilitz. 

Neilitz holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), with an education emphasis, from Spring Arbor University.  She has been a registered nurse for 26 years and joined Nicolet College's nursing faculty in 2022, becoming simulation coordinator in 2025. Her nursing background includes experience in acute care, oncology, public health, emergency nursing, and healthcare management.