Objective To deeply understand the experience and difficulties encountered by clinical nurses in the process of innovation, so as to provide a reference for promoting the active innovation of nurses. Methods Semi-structured face to face interviews were conducted among 12 clinical nurses using phenomenological method. Themes were extracted by using Colaizzi′s 7-step analytical method with the help of Nvivo 12 plus software. Results Three themes and 12 subthemes were extracted: the innovation motivation of nurses (nurses′ intrinsic motivation, head nurses′ innovation guidance, innovators′ drive and the rigid requirements of hospitals), the innovation process of nurses (generating innovative ideas, communicating innovative ideas, advocating innovative ideas and applying innovative ideas), and the innovation barriers of nurses (insufficient innovation ability, weak sense of innovation support, lack of innovation time and concern about workplace relations). Conclusion It is necessary to pay attention to the obstacles and needs in the process of nurses′ innovation, arrange working position and time flexibly, and optimize workplace relationships,so as to promote nurses′ active innovation.