Objective To use the ADDIE model to develop a nursing innovation course for clinical nurses and to determine the teaching effect. Methods We built a training team and provided theoretical and practical training on innovation for 100 nurse volunteers followed the five primary steps of the ADDIE model. Innovative behavior of nurses was assessed before and 6 months after the training, and nurses′ evaluation of the training was also measured. Results Three projects obtained national utility patent. Innovative behavior of nurses scored 3.52±1.05 before the training and 4.82±0.78 after the training, showing significant difference between them (P<0.05). Ninetytwo percent of the nurses thought the training was important for future nursing work, and 98% of them believed the training had positive impact on their future learning and innovative behavior. Conclusion Using the ADDIE model to teach nursing innovation can enhance innovative ability of nurses.