Aim: This study aimed to understand the facilitators and barriers of quality improvement (QI) from the perspective of nurses and leaders at the frontline.Background: Nurse engagement in QI has been associated with quality care and improved patient outcomes, yet nurse reported participation is low.Methods: A descriptive qualitative design and purposive sampling was used to examine barriers and facilitators of nurse engagement.Results: Facilitators (1) A leader's influence on a QI culture. Subthemes: creating buy-in, support of a just culture and working in partnership with nurses. Barriers(1) Barriers in organizational culture for nurses to lead QI. Subthemes: organizational hierarchy, absence of a just culture, nurses' role not valued, lack of accountability for QI in nursing role and resistance to change. (2) Barriers in organisational structure for nurses to lead QI. Subthemes: manager disengagement, time pressures, lack of access to timely data, lack of QI knowledge, siloed departments and lack of QI experts. Conclusion:Barriers to QI engagement prevent nurses from fully engaging in QI. Creating a just culture and building the infrastructure to support nurse engagement is critical for success.Implications for Nursing Management: Specific facilitators and barriers were identified that nurse leaders can assess in their practice setting and use relevant strategies to support engagement in QI.