Objective To understand nurses′ cognition of the practice of shared decision-making by nurses and patients, so as to provide reference for improving the practice of high-quality shared decision-making. Methods A phenomenological research method was used, and 20 nurses from four tertiary hospitals were selected to conduct semi-structured and in-depth interview, then the Colaizzi 7-step analysis was utilized to analyze the data. Results A total of 4 themes and 10 subthemes were extracted: attitude on the practice of shared decision-making (affirmation and recognition, doubt and hesitation), cognition on the practice of shared decision-making (smooth implementation, difficult implementation), obstacle factors in practice (nurses′ insufficent self-efficiency, patients′ inadequate support system, imperfect shared decision support system) and suggestions on practice (offer emotion support for patients and nurses, enhance professional quality, improve decision management support system). Conclusion Nursing staff have a positive cognition on shared decision-making and play an active role in guiding and participating in shared decision-making, while they face real obstacles and dilemma in the practice. Managers at all levels should pay attention to and optimize the decision support system and improve the practice mode, so as to promote the high-efficient practice of shared decision-making.