Objective To explore the competency characteristics of nurses in carrying out psychological care, so as to provide a reference for cultivation of nurses′ psychological care ability. Methods A total of 24 nursing managers and nurses were selected from non-mental illness departments of 4 hospitals in Guangdong Province by purposive sampling method. Taking the Iceberg Model as theoretical framework, semi-structured interviews and critical incident interviews were conducted with them utilizing descriptive qualitative research method, and the interview data were analyzed and extracted by using content analysis method. Results The competency characteristics of psychological care were classified into 5 dimensions (knowledge, skills, professional ethics, personal qualities, and motivation) and 20 characteristics. Conclusion The hospital managers can standardize the content of psychological care training according to the competency characteristics of psychological care, so as to improve nurses′ psychological care practical ability and meet patients′ psychological needs.