Objective To research and discuss the scientificalness and effectiveness of professional core competence training in the operating theatre so as to seek for a way for the professional growth of operating room nurses.Methods Under the guidance of Guideline on Core Competence Building of Professional Nurses compiled by Department of Health of Guangdong Province in 2009,in accordance with the theory of core competence training and taking into account of different yearly salaries and levels of 21 nurses,we made respective plans and carried them out.Results After implementing professional core competence training,the rate of operating nurses' mastering basic knowledge and techniques reaches 92.50％,the rate of mastering professional knowledge and techniques reaches 86.25％,the ability of clinical thinking increases by 85％,the ability of education and research development increases by 78.50％,the ability of self-training raises by 98.20％,safe management raises by 91.50％,and the emergency ability raises by 93.60％.The analysis and compare are based on seven aspects,therefore are of statistical significance.Conclusion The training of the core competence in the operating theatre is practical,scientific and feasible in-service education which not only improves operating room nurses' abilities of clinical thinking and solving clinical nursing problems,but also provides career progress for operating room nurses.