ABSTRACT Objective: to know the perception of nursing professionals about the in situ strategy in continuing education in intensive care. Method: a descriptive, exploratory and qualitative study, conducted with 15 nursing professionals from an Intensive Care Unit. Data was collected from December 2018 to February 2019, by means of semi-structured interviews, after in situ simulations that occurred in the work environment and involving two settings, one on septic shock and the other, cardiorespiratory arrest. For analysis, the collective subject discourse technique was applied using a software program. Results: from the 15 nursing professionals participating in the study, eight were nurses and seven were nursing technicians. Their age varied from 23 to 56 years old and their time in intensive care ranged from two months to 17 years. The in situ simulation was perceived as an opportunity to update and acquire professional knowledge, skills and competencies, especially for those without experience, favoring the gain of self-confidence, communication, decision-making and clinical reasoning. The simulated in situ strategy was also portrayed as a possibility of training in the professional practice and in real time, unlike traditional training, and also, as a safe environment to make mistakes of diverse magnitudes because it is a training setting. Conclusion: the professionals understand the in situ simulation as being valid for professional update and practical learning in a safe setting.