Objective To investigate the status quo of strengths use of undergraduate nursing students and to analyze its influencing factors. Methods A total of 382 undergraduate nursing students from four colleges in Hunan province were investigated by general data questionnaire, the Strengths Use Scale, Strengths Knowledge Scale and Innovation Behavior Scale. Results The total score of strengths use was （62.57±11.95）. Multivariate linear regression showed that personality type, coping style of academic stress, whether being a cadre or not, learning atmosphere in the dormitory, strengths knowledge and innovative behavior were the influencing factors of strengths use of undergraduate nursing students （all P＜0.05）, explaining 58.0% of the total variance. Conclusion The strengths use of undergraduate nursing students is at a medium level, and is affected by several factors. Nursing educators should take corresponding measures.