Objective To sum up effective measures to prevent complications of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) by applying evidence-based nursing in patients after PICC insertion.Methods From January 2011 to January 2013,1490 patients inserted with PICC in Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital were selected by convenience sampling,whom were divided into control group (n =758) and observation group (n =732) with random number table.The control group received routine care,while the observation group received evidence-based nursing.Nursing program for the observation group was formed based on literature regarding the causes of and solutions for phlebitis,malposition of PICC,infection of insertion sites,and hemorrhage of insertion sites.Results The incidences of postoperative phlebitis,malposition of PICC,infection of insertion sites,and hemorrhage at insertion sites in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (3.14％ vs.8.97％,P=0.023;4.23％ vs.11.74％,P=0.021;3.96％ vs.8.44％,P=0.001;4.92％vs.12.66％,P =0.011).Conclusions The application of evidence-based nursing in patients with PICC insertion could effectively reduce the complication,and improve the quality of clinical nursing care.