OBJECTIVE This study aimed to reveal the role of satisfying basic psychological needs in the relationship between strength use and depressive symptoms in nurses. BACKGROUND There is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among nurses. Previous studies on different groups have reported that strength use is beneficial for alleviating individuals' depressive symptoms. METHODS A total of 475 participating Chinese nurses completed questionnaires. Hypotheses were tested using the PROCESS macro. RESULTS Strength use was positively correlated with basic psychological needs satisfaction overall and negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, autonomy and relatedness satisfaction acted as mediating mechanisms through which strength use influenced depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Autonomy and relatedness satisfaction can mediate the influence of strength use on depressive symptoms in nurses. CONCLUSIONS Focus should be placed on improving nurses' strength use level to reduce their depressive symptoms. Hospital managers should create an organisational environment conducive to meeting nurses' basic psychological needs and thereby reduce their depressive symptoms.