Objective To investigate the cognition level and education demand of occupational protection knowledge among nursing students in clinical practice in the hospitals of Shanghai and analyze its related factors.Methods A cross-sectional survey involving 360 nursing students was conducted in Shanghai.The survey content included occupational protection knowledge,demand and suggestions about setting up occupational protection curricula.Results The mean knowledge score was 5～13 points,with an average of (9.33±1.62)points.In multiple regression models,the level of hospital and educational status were related factors for knowledge level.The occupational protection knowledge mainly from school education accounted for 59.4％,considering it necessary to set up occupational protection curricula accounted for 60.5％.Ways of acquiring occupational protection were:teachers integrating related knowledge into teaching,receiving related education before clinical practice,and being given warning before dangerous operation,accounting for 43.7％,30.8％ and 16.2％.Conclusions Nursing students require a comprehensive foundation course in occupational protection before they enter the clinical practice.This will help to ensure their physical and mental health.