Aim To implement the nursing rounds to improve the quality and patient satisfaction of the outpatient department. Background Patient satisfaction is one of the most critical standards for judging the quality of hospitals. Clinical daily nursing rounds significantly increase patient satisfaction and influence safety. Method SQUIRE guidelines directed the execution of a quality improvement project, which used the Driver Model to improve patient satisfaction in a Chinese outpatient department with 15,000 visits per day (4 million/year). Patient satisfaction based on questionnaires (1,541), pre‐intervention and (1,219) post‐intervention provided increased satisfaction (p < .05). Results Improvements validated were satisfaction with outpatient services from patients, effective nurse–patient communications, an increase in the quality of nursing care, doctors' satisfaction with the outpatient department operations, reduced wait time and more efficient management, all impact safety. Conclusions The institution of daily nursing rounds made an overall improvement in the operations of the outpatient department, which increased patient satisfaction, quality of care and safety. Implications for Nursing Management Nursing rounds promote patient satisfaction through assessment of operations, addressing patient and staff needs, and appropriate interventions to rectify issues and reduce adverse outcomes. Patient satisfaction impacts quality, outcomes and safety in clinical settings.