Objective To investigate the levels of research ability and professional identity among nurses and to explore their relationship, thus to provide reference for taking targeted measures to enhance nurse′s research ability and professional identity. Methods Three hundred and fifty nurses were invited to complete a self-reported questionnaire in terms of their research ability and professional identity. Results The scoring rate of overall research ability was 37.50%, and the scoring rates of 3 dimensions of practical research ability, identifying research question, and communication/cooperation were 25.00%,50.00%, and 50.00% respectively. The mean score of professional identity was 5.52, which was positively correlated with research ability (P<0.01). Conclusion Nurses have relatively high level of professional identity, but their research ability needs to be improved. Research ability is positively correlated with professional identity. Nursing managers should pay attention to cultivating research ability of nurses, thus to enhance their professional identity.