Abstract
The cultivation of top innovative nursing talents with Chinese characteristics in the new era lends critical support to the accomplishment of the strategic goal of the Healthy China Initiative. Herein, we reviewed the historical development of nursing science in China, clarified the conceptual framework of nursing science with Chinese characteristics in the new era, and identified the essential qualities and competencies required for top innovative nursing talents. Furthermore, we analyzed the mission and challenges in cultivating these nursing talents, and put forward new approaches, including formulating new ethics and political education theories specific to nursing science with Chinese characteristics, establishing a cross-disciplinary educational model of Nursing + X, and creating a new nursing talent cultivation ecosystem adapted to the era of human-machine symbiosis. This study provides theoretical insights into the cultivation of top innovative nursing talents who align their development well with national strategic needs, embody patriotism, and possess a strong sense of contemporary responsibility.