Objective To develop scientific, reasonable and suitable indexes for evaluating the efficiency of nursing human resource in geriatric department by employing data envelopment analysis (DEA), and to provide an objective assessment tool. Methods The preliminary index system for evaluating the efficiency of nursing human resource in geriatrics was developed after literature review and semi-structured interviews, then expert consultation was conducted to select and revise the indexes. After that, cluster analysis was employed to identify the final indexes. Results Four indexes were identified based on DEA model including the number of specialist nurses as input index, and proportion of newly trained specialist nurses, patient satisfaction and incidence of nursing safety events as output index. Conclusion The indexes developed based on DEA help nursing managers objectively assess nursing human resource efficiency in geriatric department and get the actual situation. It also provides reference for the other department.