Online Teaching Strategies for Nursing Students: Challenges and Opportunities

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed global education systems, with nursing education being among the most affected disciplines due to its dual reliance on theoretical instruction and clinical practice. This study examines the challenges and opportunities associated with the accelerated adoption of online teaching for nursing students. Through a mixed-methods literature review published between 2020 and 2025, the paper highlights both the potential and the limitations of e-learning in nursing. Key advantages of e-learning include accessibility, flexibility, and innovation which enable continuity of learning regardless of geographical location or time constraints. The integration of digital tools, such as virtual patient simulations and online case studies, has provided innovative opportunities to strengthen both theoretical and clinical knowledge. Nevertheless, there’re significant reductions in opportunities for direct clinical practice, unequal access to digital resources, and diminished interpersonal interaction. The findings suggest that blended learning an-approach combining online education with supervised, clinical training-offers the most effective and sustainable model for nursing education in the post-pandemic era. Recommendations include expanding investment in digital infrastructure, incorporating high-quality simulation technologies into nursing curricula, and ensuring comprehensive faculty development in e-learning pedagogies. Ultimately, online learning should be regarded not as a replacement but as a complementary strategy that enhances traditional nursing education.