Objective To explore the application effect of progressive CBL combining with multidimensional experience in the teaching of TCM clinical nursing. Methods Two classes of baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in 2015 were randomized into an experimental group and a control group, with 59 students in each group. In the course teaching of TCM clinical nursing, the control group was taught using routine teaching and role play, while the experimental group was taught using progressive CBL combining with multidimensional experience teaching. At the end of the course, theoretical and practical simulation test results were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results The ability of TCM differentiation and nursing, role understanding and performance, team collaboration and introspection of the experimental group were significantly better than those of the control group (P<0.01 for all). Conclusion Progressive CBL combining with multidimensional experience teaching could significantly improve students′ comprehensive ability of syndrome differentiation, nursing and cooperation, cultivate correct clinical thinking and help them quickly adapt to clinical work in the future.