This report described the nursing experience of caring a 23-year-old patient with first-time acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Nursing care was provided between March 11 and 31, 2016. Gordon's 11 functional health patterns were used as the assessment framework. The data was collected via physical examination, interviews, observations, attentive listening, and communication. The main health issues of the patient included oral mucosal changes, body image disturbance, and lack of knowledge. It was discovered during the provision of care that first-time AML caused the patient and the patient's family to suffer from panic and anxiety. The lack of AML-related knowledge could cause severe complications and lead to delayed or inadequate treatment. Therefore, the author functioned as an instructor and counselor and performed demonstrations in order to alleviate the patient's physiological discomfort (caused by chemotherapy side effects) and reduce the occurrence of complications and psychological impact of the disease. It is suggested that, for their clinical practice, nursing personnel discuss successful cases with their patients in order to promote the sharing of feelings, expression of negative emotional feelings and changes, and strengthening of patients' self-approval and recognition, which will help them to rebuild their sense of self and prepare for the future. During the treatment process for the disease, nurses should actively provide patients and their families with information regarding treatment and prognosis to help them adapt to the discomfort caused by the disease and boost their self-control and self-respect.