Abstract: Objective: To establish and evaluate the sub-specialist nursing model in the Neurosurgery Department. Methods: The sub-specialist nursing model included the establishment of sub-specialty nursing organization structure, the implementation of guarantee program, the training of sub-specialty nurses, the meticulous management of clinical nursing standards, carrying out sub-specialty nursing characteristic technology and expanding professional radiation field. Results: The comprehensive clinical ability of the nurses in sub-specialist nursing group was improved, (P<0.001); the number of scientific research projects, published papers and national utility model patents of nurses have been increased, the patient satisfaction with nursing care increased significantly (P<0.001), and the education level and professional qualification of nurses also improved significantly after the implementation of the sub-specialist nursing model in the Department of Neurosurgery. Conclusion: The sub-specialty nursing model in Neurosurgery Department is benefit for the development of comprehensive clinical ability of nurses, and the professional level of nursing care, and the model also is beneficial to improve the patient satisfaction and the connotation of quality care. In addition, it contributes to training the clinical nurse specialist, widening the career development, and enhancing the professional competitiveness of nurses.

Key words: department of neurosurgery; sub-specialty; nursing management; effect evaluation