Objective: To explore and discuss the relationship between emotional intelligence and stress perception and adaptive ability of undergraduates majoring in nursing, and analyze whether stress perception plays an intermediary role in the relationship between emotional intelligence and adaptive ability. Methods: A convenient sampling method was used to investigate 400 nursing undergraduates from 2 universities in Changchun. The survey tools were general information questionnaire, Emotional Intelligence Scale, Chinese version Perceived Stress Scale and College Student Adaptability Inventory. Results: The emotional intelligence of nursing undergraduates was above average level (3.63±0.47) points, the perceived stress was below average level (2.84±0.42) points, and the adaptability was above average level (3.48±0.51) points. And the emotional intelligence was positively correlated with the adaptability (r=0.467, P<0.01), and the stress perception was negatively correlated with the adaptability (r=-0.519, P<0.01). The Perceived stress played partial intermediary role in the relationship between emotional intelligence and adaptability and the mediating effect accounts for the total effect was 22.65%. Conclusion The adaptability and nursing undergraduates′ emotional intelligence and perceived stress was closely related, and perceived stress could mediated the relationship between emotional intelligence and adaptability.