Objective To investigate the current status and influencing factors of medical cost awareness among emergency and criticalcare nurses, and to provide a basis for managers to take corresponding measures to improve the medical cost awareness of nurses in these units.Methods A convenience sample of 143 critical care nurses was subjected to a survey using a general information questionnaire, the Maastricht HVCCC-Attitude Questionnaire (MHAQ), and the Work Value Questionnaire For Medical Staff (WVQMF). Results The MHAQ score of nurses in emergency and critical care units was (48.15±6.55) points, and the WVQMF score was (141.13±22.01) points. There was a positive correlation between the work values of nursing staff and their medical cost awareness (r=0.406, P＜0.01).Monthly income, whether they had received medical cost-related training, and work values were the main influencing factors of medical cost awareness among nurses in emergency and critical care units (all P＜0.05).Conclusion The medical cost awareness of nurses in emergency and critical care units is at a moderately high level. Nursing managers should build an integrated cost control system of "training-performance-culture" to enhance the cost control awareness of nurses in emergency and critical care units through regular professional training, cost control incentive mechanisms, and strengthening work values.