Objective To explore the application and effects of Seminar case teaching method in teaching surgical nursing. Methods Nursing students of the Yiyang Junior Medical College were divided into two groups (140 students/group). Seminar case teaching was applied in the trial group, while traditional teaching method (classroom teaching or instruction) was applied in the control group. The two groups used the same materials, and were taught by the same teacher team during the same course. After the courses, surgical knowledge and skills were evaluated using theory exams and operation tests (tools included communication ability scale as well as the California Critical Thinking Dispositions Inventory Scale for students’ ability and quality levels, and an anonymous questionnaire for teaching satisfaction) were analyzed between the two groups. Results The scores of the trial group were higher than those of the control group in theory exams and operation tests, with a significant difference (Plt;0.01). The before-after score differences of communication skills and critical thinking ability of the trial group were also higher than those of the control group, with a significant difference (Plt;0.01). The result of the anonymous questionnaire showed that, the students in the trial group had better satisfaction about Seminar case teaching method. Conclusion Seminar case teaching method applied in surgical nursing teaching is feasible and effective, which is better than traditional teaching method in improving knowledge, ability, and quality of nursing students.