Objective To investigate the current status of self‑regulatory fatigue (SRF) in junior nurses and to analyze its main influencing factors. Methods From April to July 2025, frontline junior nurses from two Class A tertiary general hospitals in Shenzhen were selected as research subjects. A survey was conducted with a general information questionnaire, the Self‑Regulatory Fatigue Scale (SRF‑S), the General Self‑Efficacy Scale, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlations among SRF level, self‑efficacy, meaning in life, and perceived social support level; multiple linear regression model was employed to identify the influencing factors of SRF level. Results The SRF‑S total score of junior nurses was (40.67 ± 7.94) points, the General Self-Efficacy Scale total score was (23.76 ± 5.56) points, the PSSS total score was (61.70 ± 10.69) points, and the MLQ total score was (43.28 ± 8.31) points. Pearson correlation analysis showed that self‑efficacy, meaning in life, and perceived social support level were negatively correlated with SRF level in junior nurses; meaning in life and self‑efficacy were positively correlated with perceived social support level; and self‑efficacy was positively correlated with meaning in life (all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that meaning in life, perceived social support level, self‑efficacy, and gender were influencing factors of SRF in junior nurses, collectively explaining 38% of the variance (all P<0.05). Conclusion The SRF of junior nurses is at a moderate level, and meaning in life, perceived social support level, self‑efficacy, and gender are influencing factors of SRF in this population. Nursing managers should pay attention to the physical and mental health status of junior nurses, provide social support, enhance their self‑efficacy in coping with difficulties, and guide them to discover and strengthen meaning in life in their work, so as to reduce the consumption of self‑regulatory resources.