OBJECTIVE This study measures the levels of QNWL and determines the relationship between QNWL and nurses' personal, family and work shift factors. BACKGROUND The nursing profession in Saudi Arabia (SA) is diverse, with many challenges during nursing practice. Therefore, examining QNWL is important for managers because it has become an essential subject in current nursing practice. METHODS A quantitative approach utilizing a cross-sectional design with 400 nurses recruited randomly through a multistage cluster sampling plan. RESULTS The overall level of quality of nursing working life among nurses was moderate (mean = 165; SD = 26.8). Bivariate analysis showed that non-Saudi nationality, higher age, more work experience, married status, full-time employment, rotating shift and specialty units were the significant factors contributing to higher QNWL scores (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS The study provides initial understanding of the quality of work life among nurses working in the Madinah region. It reveals a moderate level of QNWL and a significant association between personal, family, and work shift variables and QNWL. CONCLUSIONS The findings will be of interest to all management levels to support nurses through adequate staffing with defined criteria that dictate the nurse-patient ratio for adequate QNWL.