Abstract: Objective To examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and study adaptability among higher vocational nursing students. Methods A total of 1 678 higher vocational nursing students from two universities were selected by convenient sampling. Emotional intelligence scale（EIS） and the undergraduates' study adap-tability scale were used to measure the participants' emotional intelligence and study adaptability. Results The total score of emotional intelligence of higher vocational nursing students was（119.66±13.14） and the total score of study adaptability of higher vocational nursing students was（104.58±14.05）. Emotional intelligence and study adapta-bility were positively correlated（r=0.392,P<0.001）. Conclusion Higher vocational nursing students have a medium level in emotional intelligence and study adapt ability. More emotional intelligence is needed to improve the students adaptability of higher vocational nursing students in order to promote the adaption of clinical nursing work.

Key words: Education, Nursing, Emotional intelligence, Study adaptability