Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compliance of Jordanian nurses with ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention guidelines and the barriers to compliance. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 294 nurses from nine hospitals in Jordan completed a self-reported questionnaire. Results: According to the study compliance categories, 45.6% of the participants reported 'insufficient compliance,' 24.8% 'weak compliance' and 29.6% 'sufficient compliance.' Nurses with more experience and previous education on ventilatorassociated pneumonia reported higher compliance scores than their counterparts with less experience and no previous education. Nurses reported several barriers that limited their own compliance, such as lack of education, lack of policies and protocols, lack of resources and the shortage of staff. Conclusion: The compliance of nursing staff with the prevention guidelines was poor. Applying tailored educational programs may help improve their level of compliance.