Abstract Aim To understand the work status of nurses in long‐term care institutions in China for elderly care to provide a reference for further formulating management strategies and promoting the development of long‐term care teams. Methods Using qualitative descriptive research methods, 31 nurses from three long‐term care institutions were selected through purposive sampling for in‐depth interviews, and a three‐week participatory observation was conducted on the daily work of nurses in the above three long‐term care institutions. Content analysis was used to analyse data. Results In our sample, nurses in long‐term care institutions had insufficient manpower, generally had low academic qualifications, and lacked professional ability. Their work enthusiasm and initiative need to be further improved. Long‐term care nurses were moderately paid, and their salary satisfaction was lower than in other trades. At the same time, the social understanding of the long‐term care industry was insufficient, and the social identity of nurses in long‐term care institutions was low. Conclusion The development of long‐term care requires the joint efforts of nurses, medical institutions, and society. By improving the system, cultivating talents and building a harmonious atmosphere, we aim to enhance the work enthusiasm of long‐term care nurses and promote the stable and orderly development of the long‐term care team. Implications for nursing management Nurses in long‐term care institutions are at the core of the ageing age and play a vital role in coping with the ageing problem, meeting long‐term care needs, improving the quality of life of old people and reducing the cost of long‐term care. The training and management of nurses in long‐term care institutions and the construction of the entire long‐term care system should be based on China's national conditions and actual needs.
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