ObjectiveTo explore the effect of case-based learning combined with scenario exercise on nosocomial infection prevention and control training.MethodsClinical nursing students who entered the Department of Western & Traditional Chinese Medicine between September 2018 and November 2019 were selected. These students entered in groups. According to the entry number, the groups were divided into trial group and control group by odd or even numbers. The two groups of nursing students were trained by the infection prevention and control nursing group of the department to prevent nosocomial infection on the first day of entering the department. The trial group adopted case-based learning combined with scenario exercise, while the control group adopted traditional lecture-based learning. The two groups were compared by hand hygiene compliance rate, hand hygiene accuracy rate, clinical waste classification and disposal accuracy rate, occupational exposure, nosocomial infection prevention and control assessment scores, and teaching method satisfaction.ResultsA total of 63 nursing students from 10 groups were enrolled. There were 32 students from 5 groups in the control group and 31 students from 5 groups in the trial group. The hand hygiene compliance rate (χ2=8.434, P=0.004), clinical waste classification and disposal accuracy rate (χ2=4.196, P=0.041), nosocomial infection prevention and control assessment scores (t=3.145, P=0.003) and satisfaction scores of teaching methods (t=2.446, P=0.017) in the trial group were all higher than those in the control group. There was no occupational exposure in the trial group, but 1 case in the control group. The correct hand hygiene rates of the two groups were both 100%.ConclusionCase-based learning combined with scenario exercise can effectively improve the awareness of nosocomial infection prevention and control, improve the knowledge and skills of nosocomial infection prevention and control, improve the effectiveness of nosocomial infection prevention and control training, and increase the satisfaction of clinical teaching.