Objective To investigate the current status of work readiness among nursing interns and analyze its influencing factors, so as to provide a scientific basis for improving their work readiness through targeted intervention. Methods A convenience sampling method was used to select 574 nursing interns from three tertiary grade A hospitals in Wuhan between March and June 2024. The survey was conducted using a general information questionnaire, the Work Readiness Scale for Graduate Nurses, and the Transition Shock Scale for New Nurses. Results The total score of the Work Readiness Scale for nursing interns was (255.98±38.80) points. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that personality traits, making own decision on pursuing clinical nursing work, and transition shock were influencing factors of work readiness among nursing interns, collectively explaining 55.7% of the total variance. Conclusion The work readiness of nursing interns is at a moderate level, mainly influenced by personality traits, career decision clarity, and transition shock. It is recommended that nursing educators adopt stratified intervention strategies, implement personalized teaching according to different personality characteristics, strengthen career planning education to enhance professional identity, thereby effectively improving the work readiness of nursing interns.