Objective To explore the application of three-phase ten-step method in the nursing of patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) and its influence on neurological function and quality of life. Methods A total of 200 ACI patients admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to December 2017 were selected for the study and were divided into observation group (100 cases) and control group (100 cases) according to the random number table method. Control group was given routine nursing, and observation group was given three-phase ten-step method nursing measures on the basis of control group. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) were used to evaluate the neurological deficits degree, self-care ability and quality of life in the two groups before and after nursing. Results The NIHSS in observation group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05), and the ADL was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The SIS score in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group [(198.67±28.88) points vs (175.34± 26.39) points] (P<0.05). Conclusion Three-phase ten-step method in the nursing of ACI patients can effectively improve neurological function, and promote living ability and quality of life.