Objective To explore the effect of a mental health salvage program for nurses based on the employee assistance program (EAP) on subjective well-being and depression of clinical front-line nurses. Methods A total of 96 nurses were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups. The intervention group (n=47) partook in a mental health salvage program that was based on EAP and stretched for 6 months, while the control group (n=49) received no intervention at all. Results A total of 88 nurses completed the study. After intervention, the total scores of Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) in the intervention group were significantly lower than before, the total scores of Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI) and sub-dimension scores for interpersonal harmony and self-efficacy in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group （P<0.05 for all）. Conclusion The mental health salvage program based on EAP could improve depression and subjective well-being among nurses.