Objective To understand the levels of caring ability and work-family support among nurses and to explore the relationship between the two variables. Methods The Work-Family Support Scale and the Caring Ability Inventory were used in a questionnaire survey among 1,476 nurses. Results The total score of work-family support was (107.54±25.59) points, and the score of caring ability was (192.26±27.76) points, showing a significantly positive correlation (P＜0.05).Regression analysis showed that, work-family support and job tenure per household member were factors influencing nurses′ caring ability, which could explain 20.50% of the total effect. Conclusion Nurses′ caring ability is closely related to work-family support. More work-family support should be offered to nurses to promote their caring ability.