Objective: To understand the current status of short video addiction among vocational nursing students in higher vocational colleges (hereinafter referred to as "nursing students") and its related factors, so as to provide a reference for formulating online education programs in colleges. Methods: From March to May 2025, a stratified random sample of 2 223 nursing students from four vocational colleges in Henan Province was selected. Short Video Addiction Scale for College Students, Short form Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran for Chinese, Peer Rejection Scale, and University of California at Los Angels Loneliness Scale were used for investigation. Chi square test and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to explore the related factors of short video addiction among nursing students. Results: The detection rate of short video addiction of higher vocational nursing students was 26.95%, and the scores for avoidance, loss of control, inefficiency and withdrawal were (8.05±2.97) (10.24±3.09) (4.99±1.88) and (11.97±4.10), respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that sophomore year 2 ( OR=1.83, 95%CI =1.39-2.40), higher maternal education level (secondary school/vocational college: OR =1.34, 95% CI =1.06-1.68; college/undergraduate: OR =1.38, 95% CI =1.05-1.82), paternal overprotection ( OR=1.59, 95%CI =1.27-2.00), high peer rejection ( OR=1.40, 95%CI =1.19-1.66), and strong loneliness ( OR=1.57, 95%CI =1.07-2.28) were associated with a higher risk of short video addiction among nursing students (all P <0.05). Paternal affectionate and warm rearing style ( OR=0.82, 95%CI = 0.71- 0.95) was associated with a lower risk of short video addiction ( P <0.05). Conclusions The detection rate of short video addiction among nursing students is relatively high. Short video addiction is related to the nursing students grade, maternal education level, paternal overprotection and affectionate rearing style, peer rejection, and loneliness.