Objective To analyze the coupling coordination relation between registered nurse allocation status and urban development level in China from 2012 to 2023, providing a scientific basis for optimizing the regional allocation of nurse resources. Methods Based on relevant indicator data of registered nurse allocation and urban development across 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government, excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) in China from 2012 to 2023, the entropy method, agglomeration degree, coupling coordination degree model, spatial autocorrelation, and hot spot and cold spot analysis were adopted to analyze the status of registered nurse allocation and urban development level, as well as their coupling coordination and changing trends. Results From 2012 to 2023, the agglomeration degree index of registered nurses in China increased from 0.336 to 0.442, the urbanization development level index increased from 0.267 to 0.428, and the coordination degree increased from 0.524 to 0.658. Overall, the registered nurse allocation and urban development level in China were at an intermediate level of coupling coordination. Spatial autocorrelation results revealed that from 2012 to 2023, the coupling coordination degree between registered nurse agglomeration and urban development level always exhibited a positive spatial correlation (P<0.05), with an overall decreasing trend. Hot spot and cold spot analysis indicated that hot spots were mainly concentrated in the eastern coastal provinces, while cold spots were mainly distributed in the western region. The range of hot spots in the eastern region gradually narrowed, while cold spots in the western region persisted but with weakening intensity. Conclusion There is consistency in the regional disparities between registered nurse allocation status and urban development level in China, as well as is synergy with the overall process of urban development level. However, the coordinated development mechanism is still imperfect, and the problem of unbalanced allocation persists. It is recommended to continuously improve the coordinated development mechanism, gradually narrow the disparities, and promote the balanced distribution of nurse resources.  

无