Nurses must continually integrate the latest evidence into their practice to ensure safe and effective patient care. Journal clubs offer a structured forum for nurses to critically examine research, discuss clinical applications, and enhance professional competence. This study investigated how clinical nurses perceive the educational benefits of participating in journal clubs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a large tertiary hospital in western Saudi Arabia. The sample included 208 nurses (mean age 38.9 ± 9.1 years; 88.9% female) who had attended an evidence-based practice workshop and at least two journal club sessions. Participants’ views were assessed using the 15-item Nursing Journal Club Perception Scale (NJPS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, including Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. The majority of respondents recognized the educational advantages of journal clubs, reporting a median NJPS score of 61.0 (IQR 60.0–68.0). Nurses with 1–5 years of experience perceived lower educational value, while those with 6–10 years rated the sessions more favorably, particularly regarding clinical practice support. No significant differences were found for the research support component. Journal clubs are valued by nurses as a means to enhance critical thinking, integrate evidence into practice, and support professional development. Tailored educational initiatives and ongoing institutional support are recommended to maximize their effectiveness across varying levels of nursing experience.
