OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of applying the CDIO teaching model, incorporating the Rosenthal effect, on the development of core competencies in nursing interns during clinical training. BACKGROUND: Possessing core competencies is of crucial importance for nursing students. Although new teaching methods have emerged, an effective model for the internship stage is still in demand. The CDIO model has demonstrated promise in nursing education and the Rosenthal Effect can significantly boost students' motivation. Therefore, this study combines the two to fill this gap. DESIGN: This study is a single-center, prospective, non-randomized concurrent controlled study. METHODS: From August 2022 to April 2023, six units were selected from a hospital, with three designated as the intervention unit. Nursing interns were assigned to either the experimental group (n = 50) or the control group (n = 50). The experimental group received instruction based on the CDIO model combined with the Rosenthal effect, while the control group followed traditional clinical teaching methods. The outcomes were assessed using the Nursing Student Core Competence Scale, case assessments and theoretical examinations. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significantly higher scores in core competencies and case assessments compared with the control group (P <
0.05). Although the experimental group also achieved higher scores in the theoretical examination, the difference was not statistically significant (P >
0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The integration of the CDIO model with the Rosenthal effect effectively enhances the core competencies of nursing interns. However, further research is required to optimize the acquisition of theoretical knowledge in specialized areas.