Objective To investigate the level of digital competence among nurses in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and analyze its influencing factors, so as to provide a reference for developing targeted strategies for improvement. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenience sampling from May 10 to June 20, 2025. Nurses from 44 hospitals in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region completed a battery of questionnaires, including a general information questionnaire, the Digital Competence Scale, the Self-Regulatory Fatigue Scale, the Critical Thinking Diagnostic of Frontline Nurses, the Information Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire.Results A total of 4,138 valid questionnaires were collected. The sample scored 48.45±7.65 on digital competency. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis revealed that gender, prior information technology training, monthly income, number of electronic devices used in the workplace, daily duration of electronic device use at work, the cognitive control dimension of self-regulatory fatigue, the nursing decision-making dimension of critical thinking, and information self-efficacy were factors influencing digital competence (all P<0.05). Conclusion The digital competence of nurses in Xinjiang is at a moderate to high level. It is necessary to develop multi-level intervention strategies based on the identified influencing factors. These should include systematic training and rational resource allocation to reduce nurses′ self-regulatory fatigue, enhance their critical thinking and information self-efficacy, thereby further promoting the digital competence.