Aim The aim was to identify and describe nurses’ understanding of working with evidence‐based nursing (EBN) in clinical practice. Background Evidence‐based health care is recognized as fundamental to nursing practice, but it is challenging to implement. How nurses understand this part of their work can affect their practice. Methods Using a qualitative explorative design with a phenomenographic approach, we interviewed 21 nurses working in Swedish surgical wards. Results We identified three understandings of EBN among nurses in surgical care: A. a fragmentary and difficult concept that is not integrated or used in clinical practice; B. an important approach guided by knowledgeable colleagues and students; and C. a process that nurses are responsible for developing and leading. Conclusion Nurses’ understandings of working with EBN in surgical wards vary widely. Nurse managers have an important task to create a common outlook among nurses about integrating research, patient experience and clinical experience in decision‐making. Implication for nursing management These findings could inspire nurse managers to reflect on how to move nurses towards a more comprehensive understanding of EBN and how to identify nurses who could act as facilitators in quality improvement work.