Objective To investigate the current status of problem solving ability of newly recruited nurses, and to analyze its influencing factors, so as to provide reference for promoting them rapid development. Methods A total of 441 newly recruited nurses from 8 hospitals in Jinan city were selected using convenient sampling method, then they were investigated utilizing a general information questionnaire, the social problem-solving inventory and the future time insight scale. Results The participants′ average item score of problem solving ability was (3.09±0.32), the average subscale scores from high to low were: positive problem orientation, rational problem solving, impulsive negligence style, negative problem orientation and avoidance style. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that, turnover intention, night shift frequency, behavioral commitment, future intention, far goal orientation and purpose consciousness were the main factors influencing the problem-solving ability of newly recruited nurses (P<0.01 for all), which explained 44.1% of the total variation. Conclusion The problem-solving ability of newly recruited nurses is in a medium and above level, so nursing managers should improve the training curriculum according to the influencing factors in standar-dized training of new graduate nurses, so as to promote their problem-solving ability.