Purpose: To investigate the current status of affective competence among nursing interns at a tertiary hospital and to identify its influencing factors, thereby providing a reference for nursing managers and educators to develop targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling to recruit 300 nursing interns from 5 tertiary hospital in Nanyang and Zhengzhou City, China, between November 2025 and January 2026. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire and the Nurses' Affective Competence Scale developed by Ji Jiamei. Independent sample t-tests, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. Results: The mean total score of affective competence was 90.15 (SD=16.84). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that educational level, rural family origin, positive perception of professional development prospects, supportive attitudes from clinical nursing staff, and prior training in affective competence were significant factors influencing the interns' affective competence (P<0.05), collectively explaining 41.5% of the variance. Conclusion: The affective competence of nursing interns was at a moderate level. Nursing schools and clinical institutions should collaborate to enhance this competence by integrating affective learning into the curriculum, fostering supportive clinical environments, and providing targeted training and counseling for interns.