Objective To study the application effect of Orem self-care theory in nursing of postoperative chemotherapy patients after cervical cancer surgery. Methods 60 patients receiving chemotherapy after cervical cancer surgery were randomly divided into the self-care group and the control group with 30 cases in each group,the control group received routine nursing,on this basis the self-care group was given nursing intervention according to different requirement of patients by using three nursing model of Orem self-care theory-supportive education,part compensation,complete compensation system.The nursing effect was compared between two groups. Results Compared with the control group,the rate of gastrointestinal adverse reaction was lower,the anxiety and depression symptom alleviated,satisfaction degree of patients and their relatives with nursing improved,self-care ability of patients was enhanced in the self-care group,all had significant differences. Conclusions Application of self-care theory in nursing care of patients during chemotherapy after cervical cancer can greatly mobilize the enthusiasm of patients and their families and reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects.Meanwhile,it can make close nurse-patient relationship,improve the satisfaction degree of patients and their families,improve self-care capacity,improve the quality of care,reduce the psychological symptoms of patients,so it has significant social and economic benefits. Key words: Self-care theory; Cervical cancer, Chemotherapy; Nursing