Abstract: Objective: To analyze the classification characteristics of nurses' empathic abilities and the differences of coping styles among the different classifications by using Latent Class Model. Methods: A cluster random sampling method was used to select 454 nursing staff who met the including criterion from the selected four level 3 class A hospitals from December 2016 to May 2017. The general information questionnaire, Jefferson empathy scale and Trait Coping Style Questionnaire were used to investigate the empathic ability and coping style of nursing staff. Results: The study included 449 nursing staff finally. Latent Class Model analysis showed that the empathic ability of nurses was divided into low ability category (40.8%), mixed ability category (27.4%) and high ability category (31.8%). The three latent classes had significant differences in working years, educational background, distribution of professional title and negative coping scores (P<0.05). Conclusion: Through the study of the classification characteristics of nurses' empathic ability, it is effective to understand the difference of empathic ability and coping styles among nurses, and to provide basis for further research and formulate effective targeted interventions.