Introduction: As the next generation of professional nurses, nursing students must adapt to the learning system implemented in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore information on the transformation that occurred from the application of the learning system.
Method: Using a qualitative descriptive research design with the guidance of the Meleis Transition Theory, which was used to gather information from nursing students about the application of learning systems, both theory and laboratory practice at the Nursing department, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta during the pandemic, interviews were conducted on 13 participants. Data was collected by interviewing one by one using a semi-structured format and then transcribed. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi phenomenological reduction. The interview results obtained three themes: technological challenges, academic challenges, and resilience.
Result: The study's results obtained a theme that revealed a number of challenges experienced by students during this transition period, such as technological challenges, academic challenges, and resilience.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic requires the world of nursing education to adapt to maintain the skills and knowledge of its students to become the successors of professional nurses.