This study was conducted to investigate academic self-efficacy, learning motivation, and self-directed learning which influence problem-solving ability in nursing students. A total of 217 third year students were recruited from two nursing colleges in Gwangju. Structured questionnaire was self-administered from March 2 to 31, 2012. In academic self-efficacy, there were significant differences in gender, high school type, character. Problem-solving ability showed statistically significant differences in curriculum usability after graduation. In multiple regression analysis, self-efficacy, learning motivation and self-directed learning were significant factors of problem-solving ability explaining 37.3% of the variables. In conclusion, self-efficacy, learning motivation, and self-directed learning had a positive effect on problem-solving ability in nursing students. To enhance problem-solving ability for nursing students, it is necessary to develop teaching program and curriculum for increasing academic self-efficacy, learning motivation, and self-directed learning.