Developing critical thinking in the teaching of Nursing: a challenge in times of Covid-19 pandemic

Objective: To reflect on the development of critical thinking in nursing education in times of Covid-19 pandemic. Method: Theoretical-reflective study based on the experiences of researchers in the Postgraduate Program in Nursing at Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina in partnership with researchers in the Undergraduate Program in Nursing at Lovisenberg Diaconal University College (Lovisenberg Diakonale Høgskole), Norway, and the Faculty of Nursing at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. Results and Discussion: This discussion categorized two reflective theoretical points: The importance of critical thinking for the advancement of Nursing education and clinical practice, and Innovation to stimulate critical thinking in Nursing: a challenge in times of pandemic. The current moment of calamity assumes pedagogical character because it teaches about the need for changes in the ways of doing care, management and research, as well as signals to the field of health education the need to adapt teaching and learning processes to the reality of the life conditions of students. Conclusion and implication for practice: It is expected to awaken in the mentors the reflection around the commitment to the act of teaching in times of change, adapting their pedagogical practices with creativity, technological innovation and the development of critical thinking in students.