Background: The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) in nursing education has transformed how clinical skills, assessment, and decision-making are taught. However, successful adoption of these innovations largely depends on educator leadership, particularly in guiding faculty, supporting implementation, and fostering technological readiness. Despite the growing literature on digital transformation in healthcare education, limited research has examined how leadership influences AI/VR integration in nursing programs.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the level of educator leadership in implementing AI and VR, assess the extent of technology integration, and examine the relationship between leadership dimensions and AI/VR utilization in nursing education.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive–correlational design was employed among 150 nursing educators from higher education institutions. Standardized questionnaires measured leadership across four domains – vision and innovation, technical competence, supportive/motivational leadership, and change management – alongside levels of AI/VR implementation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson r correlation.

Results: Findings revealed high leadership in vision, innovation, motivation, and change management, while technical competence ranked moderate. AI/VR implementation was moderate overall, with VR simulation more widely used than AI-supported assessment. Significant strong positive correlations were found between educator leadership and technology implementation (r = .612, p < .001), particularly in technical competence and change management.

Conclusion: Educator leadership plays a critical role in advancing AI/VR integration in nursing education. Strengthening faculty training, institutional support, and digital readiness is recommended to enhance technology-driven teaching.

Keywords: Educator Leadership, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Nursing Education, Technology Integration, Digital Pedagogy, Innovation Adoption.

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