BACKGROUND:
There is a global shortage of nurses, but it is concentrated in low- and lower-middle income countries, such as Eswatini. It is imperative for low- and lower-middle income countries to understand what interventions are practised in healthcare facilities to promote nurse outcomes, so that nurses can be recruited and retained in the healthcare system. This study aimed to obtain an in-depth understanding of interventions practised in those hospitals in Eswatini that have the most favourable nurse outcomes.

METHODS:
A qualitative descriptive research design was adopted to obtain data from the top five purposively selected healthcare facilities in Eswatini that have the most favourable nurse outcomes. Data was collected through n=15 structured focus group discussions with n=77 nurses and nurse managers. Creswell`s five steps were followed for data analysis.

RESULTS:
Analysis of the data resulted in the identification of three major themes: (1) factors contributing positively to favourable nurse outcomes; (2) factors that negatively affect nurse outcomes; and (3) implementing changes to improve favourable nurse outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:
Nurse outcomes are impacted at unit level, organisational level, and system level. Nurse managers can impact factors at the unit level, such as implementing proper scheduling and promotion of activities to support mental and physical wellness, while the hospital management can effect change such as improving the work environment, making it an enabling space for wellness and education, identifying training needs and advocating for adequate staffing and resources. Ultimately the most change is required at system level, which includes formulation of policies that can support a healthy and positive work environment through adequacy of staffing and resources, promotion, retention, advancement, benefits, and optimising nurse outcomes.