Objective To identify the needs of patients undergoing pulmonary nodule day surgery during the perioperative medical interaction experience under the enhanced recovery after surgery mode based on the patient journey map, and to provide references for optimizing the diagnosis and treatment experience of these patients and the patient-centered medical support. Methods Using the descriptive qualitative research method, 15 patients who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary nodule resection or pulmonary wedge resection in the day surgery ward of Huadong Hospital, Fudan University between January and June 2024 were selected for semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using the content analysis method, and the interactive map of the patient’s medical seeking experience was drawn. Results According to the medical seeking process and perioperative stages, the interactive journey map of the patient’s medical seeking experience was formed. The medical seeking experience and health support needs of patients undergoing pulmonary nodule day surgery were classified and summarized into themes such as medical consultation cues, screening of medical information, multidisciplinary assessment, medical-patient cognitive differences, rehabilitation exercises and sports, nutritional management, doctor-patient communication, social adaptation, and emotional expression from four links: interaction touchpoints, information flow, communication methods, and feedback mechanisms. Conclusions Patients undergoing pulmonary nodule day surgery experience the perioperative medical seeking process under the enhanced recovery after surgery mode, with a shortened hospitalization period but complex postoperative health management needs. The interaction touchpoints generated during the experience are intertwined and changeable, and the health support needs required vary at different stages of intervention points. Optimizing the touchpoints can ensure that patients receive efficient medical support when needed, thereby enhancing the patient experience, improving the medical seeking feeling, and ensuring that high-quality nursing services are implemented throughout all stages.