Background Gen Z will comprise a significant portion of the nursing workforce over the next decade and beyond. The workplace expectations of Gen Z nurses may not align with the realities of nursing environments, which can ultimately impact their ability to engage and thrive in their roles. Therefore, it is essential to understand this generation to help healthcare systems better prepare to engage and retain them. This study aims to explore the workplace expectations and preferences of Gen Z nurses born between 1997 and 2005. Methods A cross-sectional design was employed. A survey was developed to identify the core aspects of Gen Z nurses’ workplace expectations. Due to the exploratory nature of the study and the absence of predefined hypotheses, it was essential to assess the factorial validity of the adapted instrument. Therefore, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to uncover the latent structure of the 45-item scale, providing data-driven insights into how Gen Z nurses conceptualize workplace expectations. The items were drawn from two validated sources: (1) the Work Value and Attitude Scale and (2) the Healthcare Career Choice Scale. Results EFA revealed six key factors that influence professional priorities: (1) Supportive, stable, and growth-oriented workplace, (2) Collaborative practice and teamwork, (3) Bureaucratic resistance and tech critique, (4) Age-based disrespect in the workplace, and (5) Logistical convenience and job perks, and (6) Professional identity and career growth. Together, these factors accounted for 62.21% of the total variance, demonstrating excellent internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.83 for the entire instrument, while subscale alphas ranged from 0.91to 0.72. The results reflect the multifaceted nature of nurses’ workplace experiences, including environmental support, interprofessional collaboration, career aspirations, resistance to structural barriers, and generational challenges. Conclusions This research has the potential to significantly inform policymakers on how to improve job satisfaction and professional development for Gen Z nurses.