Objective To investigate the status of the role-based competence of clinical nursing teachers, analyze the influencing factors, and provide reference for the clinical nursing teachers′selection, evaluation and training. Methods A total of 735 clinical nursing teachers were investigated by using the Clinical Nursing Teachers′ Competence Questionnaire and the factors influencing their competence were analyzed by univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Results The clinical nursing teachers scored (92.27±9.07) in competence, which was at a good level. The 5 items with the lowest scores belonged to two dimensions:professional knowledge and teaching ability. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that working years, clinical teaching years, whether ever working as teaching director (or teacher in-chief) in the unit, teaching atmosphere in the department, head nurse′s support, and satisfaction with clinical teaching years were independent influencing factors of competence （P<0.05,P<0.01）. Conclusion Cinical nursing teachers have satisfying competence, though they still need trainings on teaching methods, laws, regulations and humanities. At the same time, nursing administrators should establish a scientific and reasonable mechanism of unit teaching management, give more support to the units, so as to improve the teaching competence of clinical nurses at both individual and organization levels.