Background <p>The advancement of science and technology has significantly impacted nursing, emphasizing the importance of professional attitudes and caring behaviors. While previous studies have examined this relationship, limited research has considered the specific educational and sociocultural context of Iranian nursing students. This study addresses this gap by investigating how these factors shape professional attitudes and caring behaviors in an Iranian nursing education setting.</p> Methods <p>Conducted at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in June 2024, the study involved 291 nursing students from their second to fourth years, selected through proportional random sampling. Data were gathered using the Professional Attitude for Student Nurses (IPASN) and Caring Behavior Inventory (CBI) instruments. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed using Stata version 14.</p> Results <p>A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was found between overall IPASN and CBI scores (<i>r</i> = 0.29, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01). Multiple regression analysis identified professional attitude (β = 0.257, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and satisfaction with nursing (β = 0.136, <i>p</i> = 0.017) as significant predictors of caring behaviors.</p> Conclusions <p>Enhancing professional attitudes and satisfaction in nursing can improve caring behaviors, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions and organizational changes.</p> Clinical trial number <p>Not applicable.</p>