BACKGROUND: Enhancing the research abilities of clinical nurses is a pivotal aspect of nursing management. The purpose of this survey is to assess the current state of research abilities among pediatric nurses and to identify the associated influencing factors, thereby providing empirical support for the improvement of research competencies in pediatric nurses. METHODS: Pediatric clinical nurses at a tertiary children's hospital in Nanjing, China from May 1st to 31st, 2024 were included for survey. Self-assessment scale for nursing staff's scientific research ability was utilized to assess the comprehensive research ability. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted to evaluate the influencing factors. RESULTS: A total of 436 pediatric nurses were included. The total score for the nurses' research ability was (47.03 ± 13.66), the research abilities of pediatric clinical nurses were at a low level. Pearson correlation analysis showed that educational level(r = 0.563), professional title(r = 0.528) and the frequency of receiving scientific research training(r = 0.481) and the frequency of reading nursing-related scientific journals(r = 0.459) were all correlated with the scientific research ability score of pediatric nurses (all P <
0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that educational level, professional title and the frequency of receiving scientific research training were the independent factors influencing the scientific research ability of pediatric nurses (all P <
0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The research abilities of pediatric nurses are currently at a lower level and influenced by a multitude of factors. Clinical nurse managers should implement targeted research ability training for pediatric nurses with different educational qualifications and professional titles.