Transformations in nursing education: a qualitative study of student experiences in Türkiye during the pandemic and post-pandemic

The education sector is among the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing students experienced different education models during the pandemic and the normalization process. This qualitative study explored the experiences of nursing students in Türkiye regarding online, hybrid, and face-to-face teaching models during the COVID-19 pandemic and the normalization process, aiming to identify the challenges, opportunities, and implications for nursing education practice and policy. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 third- and fourth-year nursing students and analysed using Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis approach within a qualitative descriptive design. Nursing students aged 18 years or older who had been enrolled in the third and fourth grades, had both traditional face-to-face and online courses, and could understand and speak Turkish were eligible to participate in the study. Snowball sampling was employed to reach the target population. The main themes identified were (1) challenges of online learning (social isolation, technical difficulties, task overload), (2) opportunities for online learning (flexibility, self-management, access to resources), and (3) adaptation to the new normal (valuing face-to-face teaching, integrating technologies, regaining confidence in clinical learning). Each theme is discussed separately in this study. The findings of this study emphasize the need to integrate the best practices of online, hybrid, and face-to-face teaching to create a more adaptable and student-centered learning environment. Nursing education institutions should invest in technological infrastructure, teacher training, and student support strategies to optimize the learning experience in all teaching models. Not applicable.