NURSING EDUCATION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: REFLECTING ON THE CHALLENGES FACED

Objective: To reflect on the challenges faced by professors in nursing education before the new format of remote synchronous classes held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Development: This is a theoretical-reflective essay, constructed from the literature on the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic in nursing teaching and the authors’ experience. The sudden interruption of teaching activities generated impacts for professors, students, educational institutions, health services and users. Among the main challenges for professors are: the rapid incorporation of information technologies for teaching, the dropout of students, the psycho-emotional suffering of professors and students, the maintenance of the quality of nonface-to-face teaching; and the performance of practical activities. Final thoughts: To face such challenges, various tools and strategies are being implemented in an innovative way, favoring creativity and student participation. However, face-toface teaching should not be replaced in its essence, given the need for the development of practical contents and fundamental human relationships for nurses’ training