Objective: To explore the application effect of empathy training based on reflective practice theory among young nurses. Methods: Fifty young nurses from Suzhou Wuzhong People’s Hospital from January 2020 to January 2025 were selected as the research subjects and randomly divided into an experimental group (25 individuals) and a control group (25 individuals) using a random number table method. The control group received conventional training, while the experimental group received empathy training based on reflective practice theory for a 6-month training period. The empathy abilities and nurse satisfaction of both groups were compared. Results: After 1, 3, and 6 months of training, the cognitive empathy scores of the experimental group were (52.52 ± 3.28), (57.14 ± 3.85), and (62.35 ± 4.85) points, respectively, and the emotional empathy scores were (50.22 ± 3.98), (53.12 ± 4.27), and (58.17 ± 4.23) points, respectively, all higher than those of the control group [(46.72 ± 3.02), (50.26 ± 3.54), (56.77 ± 4.03), (54.18 ± 4.13), (58.99 ± 4.85), and (63.06 ± 5.12) points], with statistically significant differences (t = 6.504, 6.577, 4.425, 3.452, 4.542, 3.682, p < 0.05). The nurse satisfaction rate in the experimental group was 96.00% (24/25), higher than that in the control group (68.00%, 17/25), with a statistically significant difference (χ² = 4.878, p = 0.027). Conclusion: Empathy training based on reflective practice theory can effectively enhance the empathy abilities of young nurses and improve their job satisfaction, demonstrating high clinical application value.