Objective To explore the effects of a nurse specialist team for patients with chronic heart failure. Methods A total of 300 patients with chronic heart failure admitted from June to December 2017 were assigned into the control group,who received routine treatment,nursing care and follow-up, and another 300 patients admitted from January to June 2018 were included into the intervention group, who were managed by the nurse specialist team: the team screened, evaluated and followed up the patients who were at pre-clinical stage, made individualized health guidance and provided transitional care after discharge for patients at clinical stage, helped end-stage patients to choose appropriate treatment plans, implemented first aid measures, provided psychological support and social assistance, at the same time assisted the construction of heart failure treatment center and demonstration base, and attached importance to quality control and evaluation and management of nurse specialists. Six months later, the scores of disease self-management ability, re-admission rates and satisfaction with nursing service were compared between the two groups. Results Six months later, the scores of disease self-management ability and satisfaction with nursing service in the intervention group were significantly higher, and re-admission rates, length of later hospital stay were significantly lower and shorter, than the control group （P<0.01 for all）. Doctors and nurses were quite satisfied with the specialists′ job. Conclusion The nurse specialist team provided phased management to heart failure patients at different stages, improve the quality of life and clinical outcome of patients, and boost nurses′ career development.