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Nurses constitute the largest segment of the healthcare workforce and play a critical role in the delivery of healthcare services, particularly in rural health facilities where access to healthcare professionals is often limited. However, healthcare systems globally, including Nigeria, continue to experience challenges related to nurse shortages and workforce instability, largely influenced by poor job satisfaction and retention challenges. This paper examined job satisfaction and retention of nurses in rural health facilities and explored its implications for the future of nursing practice. The study adopted a narrative literature review approach to analyze scholarly evidence regarding factors influencing job satisfaction among nurses, the relationship between job satisfaction and nurse retention, and the implications for healthcare delivery and nursing practice.The review revealed that job satisfaction among nurses is influenced by several organizational and individual factors, including remuneration, staffing levels, leadership style, work environment, professional development opportunities, interpersonal relationships, and organizational support. Findings further indicated that job satisfaction significantly influences nurses’ organizational commitment, turnover intention, and retention. Nurses who experience higher levels of job satisfaction tend to demonstrate stronger professional commitment, increased motivation, and greater willingness to remain in their organizations, whereas dissatisfaction often leads to burnout, migration, and workforce shortages. The study also revealed that nurse retention is particularly important in rural healthcare settings where shortages of healthcare personnel may significantly affect healthcare accessibility and patient outcomes. The study concludes that improving job satisfaction among nurses is essential for strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring sustainable nursing practice. It recommends improved remuneration, supportive leadership, better working conditions, continuous professional development opportunities, and targeted retention strategies for nurses working in rural health facilities.