The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships of suicidal ideation and self-esteem of nursing students. The subjects of the study were 438 nursing students. The period of data collection was from September 1 to 30, 2012. The data was analyzed by SPSS 19.0 program. The result are as follows; First, the average of suicidal ideation was 1.74 and self esteem was 3.48 points. Second, suicidal ideation was significantly different according to economic status, health status, friendship, personality, adaptation of environment, satisfaction on school, satisfaction on nursing major, score, and bully. Self-esteem was significantly different according to economic status, health status, personality, adaptation of environment, satisfaction on school, satisfaction on nursing major, score, and bully. Third, suicidal ideation was correlated with positive self esteem negatively and negative self esteem positively. Forth, the influencing factor in suicidal ideation of participant were self esteem, friendship and satisfaction on school, R²=.370. Thus, development of guidance program to decrease suicidal ideation of nursing students is recommended.