Aims: Nursing is a highly stressful occupation where irregular shifts and working overtime lead to unhealthy behaviours. This qualitative systematic review and metasynthesis aims to examine nurses' barriers in adopting health-promoting behaviours.Methods: Six electronic databases were searched from their respective inception dates to October 2021: EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist was used to appraise the quality of included studies. Data synthesis followed Sandelowski's and Barroso's two-step approach.Results: Fourteen studies were included in this review, and three themes were generated as follows: (1) work environment and workplace culture, (2) nature of the job and (3) intrinsic factors. Conclusion:This review synthesized available evidence on the barriers nurses experienced while adopting health-promoting behaviours. Health-care institutions should target these factors when providing facilities and services to support nurses in adopting health-promoting behaviours. Policies should focus on workplace health promotion by advocating for healthy lifestyle policies. Future research should be conducted in more multicultural and geographically diverse regions to obtain a more global view of nurses' barriers to adopt health-promoting behaviours.