Background <p>The education sector is among the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing students experienced different education models during the pandemic and the normalization process.</p> Objectives <p>This qualitative study explored the experiences of nursing students in Türkiye regarding online, hybrid, and face-to-face teaching models during the COVID-19 pandemic and the normalization process, aiming to identify the challenges, opportunities, and implications for nursing education practice and policy.</p> Methods <p>Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 third- and fourth-year nursing students and analysed using Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis approach within a qualitative descriptive design. Nursing students aged 18 years or older who had been enrolled in the third and fourth grades, had both traditional face-to-face and online courses, and could understand and speak Turkish were eligible to participate in the study. Snowball sampling was employed to reach the target population.</p> Results <p>The main themes identified were (1) challenges of online learning (social isolation, technical difficulties, task overload), (2) opportunities for online learning (flexibility, self-management, access to resources), and (3) adaptation to the new normal (valuing face-to-face teaching, integrating technologies, regaining confidence in clinical learning). Each theme is discussed separately in this study.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings of this study emphasize the need to integrate the best practices of online, hybrid, and face-to-face teaching to create a more adaptable and student-centered learning environment. Nursing education institutions should invest in technological infrastructure, teacher training, and student support strategies to optimize the learning experience in all teaching models.</p> Clinical trial number <p>Not applicable.</p>