The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult to carry out face-to-face training activities in various higher institutions. This has led to a negative impact on the skills and abilities of nursing students in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the cessation of their clinical practice programs in hospitals. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the efficacy and knowledge of nursing students in performing CPR by implementing a blended learning program, through online learning platforms. The search for full-text articles was carried out in May 2020 and were reviewed to know whether they fit the theme using the ProQuest, ScienceDirect and PubMed databases with the keywords “BLS”, “CPR”, “Blended learning”, “Knowledge” and “Self-efficacy”. In addition, there were 15 articles that matched the criteria. The application of a blended learning program that integrates video and face-to-face lectures through online learning platforms in conducting effective CPR, increases the efficacy and knowledge of nursing students. The effectiveness of online learning greatly affects the efficacy and knowledge of nursing students in conducting CPR. Therefore, it was highly recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic.Significance for public healthThe use of information and communication technology during the COVID-19 pandemic and the development of the industrial era 4.0, made the learning and training process more innovative. Various online learning methods were carried out to support educational processes in order to achieve competency. Furthermore, the use of blended learning-based application media, has made it possible for students and trainers to easily access training materials and interact with each other using computers via the internet network. This is the first study to examine the efficacy and knowledge of performing CPR through online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings regarding the latest learning innovations for nursing students were useful in relation to the discourse and means of learning clinical practices in hospitals and the formation of competent nursing students.