ABSTRACT Objective: To discuss the challenges and perspectives of nursing education in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Reflection study, with theoretical approach based on national and international publications, allied to the experience of researchers in the area of nursing education. Results: Four sections are identified: Nursing education: current affairs and perspectives; Education and technologies in time of pandemic: acceleration, alteration and paralysis; Difference between emergency, intentional and remote teaching; the return to the “new normality”: new structuring axes and legal norms. Final considerations: The conclusion is that longstanding challenges have emerged with the pandemic, and the processes of acceleration, change and paralysis have marked education in these times. Moreover, epidemiological, technological and psychological aspects should be more valued in the return to activities.