Objective To determine the relationship between professional values and ethical decision-making ability of higher vocational college nursing students. Methods By convenience sampling method, 1 241 higher vocational college nursing students were investigated with the Nursing Professional Values Scale (NPVS-R) and Judgement about Nursing Decision (JAND). Results The sample scored (97.30±18.79) on professional values and (268.20±25.68) on ethical decision-making, showing at medium levels. Professional value was an important factor of ethical decision-making ability (P<0.01). Conclusion There is a positive correlation between professional value and ethical decision-making ability of nursing students. Nursing educators should strengthen the cultivation of nursing students′ professional values,and improve their recognition of professional values, thus to enhance their ethical decision-making ability.