Objective To investigate students’ cognition and willingness of nurses’ multiple-sites practice. Methods A self-developed questionnaire was used to investigate 342 nursing students from 5 nursing colleges in Shanghai,and a semi-structured interview was conducted among 10 nursing students. Results A total of 275（80.4%） nursing students agreed with nurses’ multiple-sites practice,201（58.8%） nursing students had the willingness to practice in multiple-sites,192（56.1%） nursing students expressed optimistic or very optimistic attitude about the prospects of nurses’ multiple-sites practice. Totally 84（24.6%）nursing students indicated that they knew very well or understood that nurses’ multiple-sites practice more. The interview data showed that students had few ways to understand multiple-sites practice. The main reasons for nursing students’ concerns were incomplete laws and regulations. Conclusion Nursing students show a positive support and willingness to nurses’ multiple-sites practice. But a few people knew it well. It is hoped that schools,hospitals and other relevant departments can increase the contents and policy introduction of nurses’ multiple-sites practice. To improve students’ knowledge of nurses’ multiple-sites practice is conducive to better practice in the future,and further promote the diverse nursing development.