Purpose: With the rapid increase in artificial intelligence (AI) use among university students, concerns regarding plagiarism and academic misconduct have highlighted the need to strengthen learning ethics. However, ethics education in Korea has largely focused on bioethics and patient rights, with limited attention paid to ethical learning behaviors. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors influencing ethical consciousness among first-year nursing students. Methods: A descriptive survey was distributed to 141 first-year nursing students from a university in the metropolitan city, D. Data were collected from October 1 to October 20, 2025. The study variables included general characteristics, perceptions of AI, positive and negative attitudes toward AI, and learning ethics consciousness. Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 25.0, with descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson’s correlations, and multiple regression. Results: Learning ethics consciousness was significantly negatively correlated with the perception of AI. Perception toward AI (β=−.22, p=.008) and peer relationships (β=−.30, p<.001) were identified as significant factors influencing learning ethics consciousness, with an explanatory power of 13.6%. Conclusion: Learning ethics consciousness among first-year nursing students is primarily influenced by their perceptions of AI and peer relationships. Therefore, educational strategies aimed at strengthening ethical learning values and fostering supportive peer networks are highly recommended.