Objective To summarize the experience of nursing management in makeshift hospitals for the prevention and control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), so as to provide reference for the emergency management of infectious public health events. Methods A makeshift hospital was took over by a general tertiary hospital in an integrated system, and the operation and maintenance management of which included structural rebuilding and protection management, nursing staff management, patient care, disinfection management, makeshift hospital culture development and intelligent makeshift hospital construction. Results A total of 875 COVID-19 patients were admitted to the makeshift hospital, 691 of whom were cured and discharged, and the other 184 were transferred to a designated hospital due to severe conditions. No adverse events such as falls or accidental injuries happened among the patients, and no medical staff suffered from infection. Conclusion Strengthening the management of institutionalized operation, standardized nursing and humane care can ensure the orderly admission and treatment of patients in the makeshift hospitals, and effectively prevent the spread of the epidemic.