Objective To understand adversity quotient (AQ) level of nurses with master′s degree and working in 3A hospitals, to analyze the influencing factors, and to provide a reference for management and development of high-level nursing human resource. Methods A total of 135 nurses with master′s degree and working in 14 3A hospitals in Shandong province were recruited and asked to fill out the general data questionnaire, and the Adversity Response Profile. Nine of the nurses were picked for interviews. Results The nurses scored (133.52±14.65) points in AQ, being at medium level. Types of degree, types of hospital, position and working years were influencing factors of AQ of nurses with master′s degree in 3A hospitals (P<0.05, P<0.01). Qualitative interviews yielded two themes:subjective factors that weighed on nurses′ AQ included nurses′ personality, lack of clinical experience, differences in personal cognitive level and communication ability; external factors, included work environment, family social support, organizational management components and policy support. Conclusion AQ of nurses with master′s degree is at medium level, and nurses′ AQ is affected by both subjective and external factors. It is suggested that effective measures should be taken from school, hospital and nurses′ individual levels to improve their AQ scores.