Background and purpose Advance directives (ADs) and advance care planning (ACP) aid in expressing an individual's preferences and guide future medical decision‐making. Despite the potential of ADs and ACP to positively impact care, consistently low rates of ADs and ACP (5%–39%) have been documented. The purpose of this project was to increase understanding and participation in the ACP process among rural‐dwelling community members. Methods A pre–post repeated measures design with an evaluation component to measure understanding, completion, discussion, and dissemination of ADs and ACP. A sample of N = 40 were recruited to participate in a one‐time nurse practitioner–led Five Wishes workshop delivered in a community setting. Conclusions Postworkshop evaluations indicated an overall acceptance and understanding of ADs and ACP. Completion rates of ADs and discussion in the ACP process significantly increased at 1‐month follow‐up. Implications for practice Nurses and advanced practice nurses are well positioned to educate individuals and facilitate the ACP process. There is a need to educate individuals on importance of sharing their AD wishes with their family and primary care provider. This nurse practitioner–led workshop using the Five Wishes demonstrated the feasibility and potential effectiveness of initiating the ACP process in the community.