Abstract: Objective: To develop a scientifically, effective, and rational training program for nurse specialists of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Jiangsu province, grounded in the theory of learning progression, and to explore a staged training model for TCM specialist nurses. Methods: A preliminary framework for the staged training program of TCM specialist nurses in Jiangsu province was established through semi-structured interviews and literature review. The Delphi method was utilized to conduct two rounds of expert consultations with 20 TCM experts, during which core indicators were identified, refined, and weighted. Results: After two rounds of expert consultations, the training program for TCM specialist nurses in Jiangsu province was established, which includes two stages: professionalization and specialization, with 6 primary indicators, 29 secondary indicators, and 84 tertiary indicators covering training objectives, admission criteria, core knowledge points, training methods, training duration, and assessment forms. The response rate for both rounds of consultations was 100%, with an expert authority coefficient of 0.925. The coordination coefficients for the tertiary indicators were 0.654, 0.250, and 0.879, respectively. Conclusion: The construction of a scientifically validated and effective staged training program for TCM specialist nurses offers valuable insights for the development of a training model for TCM specialist nurses.

Key words: Traditional Chinese Medicine nursing; nurse specialists; learning progression; scheme construction; Delphi method