Objective To explore the self-worth and self-directed learning ability in nursing undergraduates，and to analyze the influence of self-worth on self-directed learning ability. Methods A total of 851 nursing undergraduates from six universities in Shaanxi Province were selected by convenient sampling from August to November 2022. The general information questionnaire，Adolescent Sense of Self-Worth Scale and Self-directed Learning Ability Scale were used for the survey. Results The total score of self-worth of 851 nursing students was（189.79±21.42），and the total score of self-directed learning ability was（94.81±8.51）. The total score of self-worth was positively correlated with the total score of self-directed learning ability（r=0.457，P<0.001）. Hieraychical multiple regression showed that self-worth accounted for 16.8% of the total variance in self-directed learning ability independently. Conclusion The self-worth of nursing undergraduates can positively predict their self-directed learning ability. Nursing educators and managers in universities should take corresponding measures to improve students’ self-worth，so as to improve their level of self-directed learning ability.