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AIMS This study aimed to estimate the overall presenteeism prevalence in the nursing workforce. BACKGROUND Nurses are more prone to presenteeism, which is associated with adverse outcomes for both nurses and patients. However, comprehensive information on the global prevalence of presenteeism in nursing workforce is lacking. Evaluation Seven databases were systematically searched without year or language restrictions in July 2021. Studies that reported the prevalence rate of presenteeism among nurses were included. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Key issues A total of 28 studies from 14 countries were included. The overall pooled estimate of presenteeism prevalence among nursing workforce was 49.2% (95% CI: 0.411, 0.574). Subgroup analyses showed that the prevalence of presenteeism was higher when the reporting time frame was > 1 month and < 1 year compared with ≤ 1 month or ≥ 1 year. CONCLUSION The results of this meta-analysis showed the substantial prevalence of presenteeism in the nursing workforce with variations across different reporting time frames. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT The findings can be used to support nurse managers, administrators, and policymakers in recognizing the prevalence of presenteeism and developing relevant prevention strategies against presenteeism among global nursing workforce.