Background:
Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) depends on a competent and empowered health workforce. Nurses play a pivotal role in advancing equitable primary health care in Jordan, yet evidence on their readiness and system-level challenges remains limited.

Objectives:
To examine nurses’ competencies, knowledge, and experiences in implementing UHC within Jordan’s primary health-care system and to identify barriers and facilitators influencing their role.

Methods:
This study used a convergent parallel mixed methods design integrated findings from a quantitative cross-sectional survey of 145 nurses in governmental health centers and a qualitative inquiry involving eight in-depth interviews with nurses and midwives. Quantitative data assessed professional competencies using a validated tool, while qualitative data explored experiences and perceptions through thematic analysis.

Results:Competency scores were highest in teaching and self-development (M = 2.58, SD = 0.84) and basic care (M = 2.47, SD = 0.68), and lowest in community health management (M = 2.01, SD = 0.82). Trained nurses scored significantly higher across domains (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings revealed limited UHC awareness, institutional barriers, strong professional motivation, and practical strategies for integration.

Conclusions:
Nurses are central to UHC advancement in Jordan but require continuous education, leadership development, and supportive policy environments to translate potential into performance.

Implications for Nursing:
Integrating UHC principles into nursing curricula and professional development programs can strengthen workforce capacity, enhance equity-driven service delivery, and position nursing as a strategic force for sustainable health-system reform.