Unplanned extubation of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC-UE) is a prevalent complication with a high incidence rate and significant adverse effects. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of nursing interns regarding PICC-UE. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 802 nursing interns from 10 hospitals in China. The score rate for KAP dimensions was 65.75%, 95.47%, and 78.67%, respectively. Factors associated with knowledge scores included gender (female), prior nursing experience, age (20–22 years), weeks of clinical practice (15–30 and > 30 weeks), training times (1–2 and > 3 sessions), and learning format (centralized online and offline) (all p < 0.05). Attitudes were significantly influenced by nursing experience, age (20–22 years), education level (undergraduate), weeks of clinical practice (15–30 and > 30 weeks), and training times (1–2 or > 3 sessions) (all p < 0.05). Practices were significantly associated with nursing experience, education level (undergraduate and graduate), weeks of clinical practice (15–30 weeks), and training times (1–2 and > 3 sessions) (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, while the participants demonstrated positive attitudes, their knowledge requires enhancement, and their practices are moderate. © 2026 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
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