ABSTRACT Objective: to reflect upon the challenges that permeate the development and perenniality of nursing journals published in Brazil for becoming entities at the service of the scientific community and heritage of the history of science for future generations. Method: the reflective method grounded on the principles of complexity and pertinent literature was adopted. Results: the perennial commitment to scientific publishing emerged as the starting point for this reflection; hence, the role played by sponsoring institutions as the guardians of scientific journals, the need for investments, and to valorize the management, professionalization, and internationalization of the editorial team are emphasized, along with the ability to expand communication breaking paradigms in the connections between science and society. Conclusion: this reflection is expected to reaffirm the concept of scientific periodicals being perennial devices and, thus, survive the dynamics of time amidst the challenges science faces worldwide. In this sense, it indicates the importance of institutions supporting scientific journals as a condition to ensure their perenniality.