Abstract: Objective: To explore the innovation ability of nurses in tertiary hospitals in Zhengzhou and analyze its associated factors. Methods: A total of 1 260 nurses meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria in 4 tertiary hospitals in Zhengzhou were investigated by self-developed general information questionnaire and the Nurse Innovation Ability Scale. Results: The total score of innovation ability of nurses was (143.89±19.75) with the mean score of (3.50±0.48) for each item. The score of innovation environment and pressure subscale was the highest (3.84±0.66), while the score of innovation product subscale was the lowest (3.18±0.86). Multiple regression analysis showed that marital status, position, title, working duration and satisfaction with their jobs were the main factors associated with the innovation ability (P<0.05). Conclusion: The innovation ability of nurses in Zhengzhou is on a medium level. Nursing managers should cultivate nurses' innovation ability, develop standardized and effective cultivation programs to improve nurses' innovation ability comprehensively.

Key words: nurses; innovation ability; questionnaire survey; analysis of associated factors