BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought various opportunities and challenges to critical care nurses, whose emergency abilities in caring for critically ill patients are related to their safety, clinical effectiveness, and improved prognosis. Currently, there is a lack of research on the actual situation and influencing factors of ICU nurses' emergency ability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although empirical observations from different departments can provide valuable basis for the health system to formulate preventive measures, efficient training programs and future public emergencies.DesignA cross-sectional descriptive study.MethodsData were collected from 486 subjects through electronic surveys from November 8 to 15, 2022, in seven general public hospitals (all tertiary A hospitals) in Beijing, China.ResultsThe emergency ability of ICU nurses hover at the intermediate level (145.42 +/- 23.29). The variables of work experience, participated in PHE rescue activities, participated in PHE education, cumulative rescue more than 10 times and positive coping were associated with the emergency ability of ICU nurses.ConclusionDespite the COVID-19 restrictions, the emergency ability of ICU nurses is acceptable, at a medium level. The ICU nurse of seniority, participated in PHE rescue activities, participated in PHE education, cumulative rescue more than 10 times had excellent emergency ability; The importance of positive coping style was also evident, which means that intervention in psychological is seen as necessary.