The study investigated the feedback-seeking behavior (FSB) of 1308 early-practice nursing trainees from nine universities in China between June and September 2024. The mean FSB score was 5.06 ± 1.08 for an effective response rate of 95.47%. Analysis of latent profiles identified three profiles: low (20.87%), medium (38.3%) and high (40.83%). Significant predictors of membership in profiles were level of education, experience with student staff, type of hospital with practice, and career adaptability (p < 0.05). FSB shows heterogeneity that affects adjustment, health, and role transition. The authors recommend multilevel interventions: career counseling for the low and medium FSB groups and peer modeling for the high FSB group.