Objective To explore the application effect of King′s goal attainment theory combined with teach back method in the teaching of nursing interns. Methods A total of 100 nursing interns in our hospital were randomized into an experimental group and a control group, with 50 students in each group. The control group was taught using conventional teaching model, and the experimental group was taught adopting King′s attainment theory combined with teach back method, including teacher training, participation, communication, morning teach back etc. The independent learning ability, clinical thinking ability and examination score between the two groups were compared. Results There were significant differences in the total score and subscale scores of independent learning ability and clinical thinking ability, and the examination score between the two groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion King′s goal attainment theory combined with teach back method improves nursing interns′ ability of independent learning and clinical thinking, and promotes their skill and knowledge application ability.