Objective To explore the application effect of day surgery nursing based on finite time theory in patients undergoing gastroesophageal reflux surgery. Methods A total of 108 patients undergoing gastroesophageal reflux surgery in Day Surgery Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University were enrolled and divided into control group (n=54, routine nursing) and study group (n=54, finite time theory intervention on basis of control group) according to random number table method between May 2023 and May 2025. The scores of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain before and after surgery, postoperative recovery indexes, total incidence of postoperative complications, scores of Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) before surgery and discharge, and patients satisfaction in the two groups were compared. Results After surgery, the VAS score in the study group was lower than that in the control group (2.86±0.31 vs. 3.58±0.39, P<0.05). The first leaving bed time, the first time for liquid intake, and the postoperative anal exhaust time in the study group [(6.23±0.68), (4.22±0.53), and (16.78±2.03) h, respectively] were shorter than those in control group [(8.24±1.34), (6.68±0.86), (19.14±2.21) h, respectively; P<0.05]. Before discharge, the scores of SAS and SDS in the study group (49.14±5.11 and 41.26±4.31, respectively) were lower than those in the control group (53.79±5.58 and 49.85±5.06, respectively; P<0.05). The scores of patients satisfaction with daytime medical treatment process, doctor-nurse-patient communication, service attitude of medical staff and health education methods in the study group (91.56±3.58, 93.27±3.24, 92.07±5.37, and 92.68±4.22, respectively) were higher than those in the control group (82.35±4.11, 83.51±5.20, 84.11±4.33, and 81.70±5.41, respectively; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the total incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (9.25% vs. 16.67%, P>0.05). Conclusion The day surgery nursing based on finite time theory can effectively alleviate postoperative pain, accelerate postoperative recovery, improve psychological state and nursing satisfaction in patients undergoing gastroesophageal reflux surgery.