Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent in nursing education, facilitating diversified educational development while simultaneously giving rise to a range of ethical challenges. This review summarizes the concept of generative AI ethics, available assessment instruments, the current state of research on generative AI ethics among nursing students, influencing factors, and strategies for promoting ethical use. The aim is to provide a reference for developing a scientific educational framework for generative AI ethics among nursing students and to guide them in the compliant and responsible use of generative AI tools.