To understand the present situation and related factors of self-directed learning ability of nursing undergraduates (nursing students) before clinical practice, and to provide basis for promoting self-directed learning of nursing students.

The method of cluster sampling was adopted.Five undergraduate classes of nursing major in 2015 of xiangnan university were selected as research objects.Questionnaires were distributed through the Internet " Questionnaire" platform.The questionnaires consisted of General Information Questionnaire, Self-directed Learning Instrument for Nursing Student (SDLIFNS) and Critical Thinking Ability Measurement Scale(CTDI-CV).

Self-directed learning ability in nursing students before clinical practice of median score was 73.00 points, whether as a student cadre, enter oneself for an examination the will of the nursing profession, character, interest in the nursing profession four aspects affect self-directed learning ability, critical thinking ability scores and self-directed learning ability in various dimensions and the total score and each dimension into positive correlation.

The self-directed learning ability of nursing students before clinical practice is at the medium level, and nursing educators can adopt corresponding guidance and teaching strategies for nursing students with different characteristics according to the influencing factors of self-oriented learning, so as to effectively promote the self-directed learning of nursing students.

Clinical practice; Nursing undergraduates; Self-directed learning; Critical thinking ability