Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of nursing measures based on the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for patients undergoing day surgery of inguinal hernia repair. Methods A total of 120 patients scheduled for day surgery of inguinal hernia repair between January and June 2015 were randomized into ERAS group (n=60) and control group (n=60). Patients in the ERAS group received nursing optimized by the idea of ERAS during the perioperative period, while those in the control group received traditional routine nursing intervention. Postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, adverse responses, early ambulation, influence of pain on patients’ sleep, satisfaction of the patients and prolonged hospital stay rate were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results VAS scores during hours 0-2, 2-4, 4-8, and 8-12 in the ERAS group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Between hour 12 and 24, the VAS sco res were not significantly different between the two groups of patients (P > 0.05). Early postoperative ambulation, influence of pain on the sleep, and patients’ satisfaction on pain control and nursing care in the ERAS group were all significantly better than those in the control group (P <0.05). Conclusion Based on the concept of ERAS nursing intervention model, we can effectively reduce postoperative complications after inguinal hernia repair, accelerate patients’ postoperative rehabilitation, and increase patients’ satisfaction.