This article describes the context and strategies to create a positive nursing practice environment, discusses current nursing work environment in Taiwan, and list the policies, strategies and outcomes from both government and professional organizations for the promotion of a positive practice environment. The increased health care needs and nurses' workloads drove nurses away from the workforce and the nursing shortage has negatively impacted the health care system. World Health Organization and International Council of Nurses recommended strategies to create a positive practice environment to increase nurses' retention rate, to promote professional nursing competence, and to improve quality of patient care. This article may be used as a reference to promote a positive practice environment, to increase nurses' retention, to improve salary and benefits, and to build a reasonable workforce structure to ensure quality of patient care and safety.