Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in Malaysia, and this corresponds with the rising smoking prevalence (MOH, Malaysia, 2010). However, little is known about Malaysian nurses’ learning needs in smoking cessation education. Aim: To determine the effect of smoking cessation education intervention (SCEI) on nurses’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP). Method: This pre-post study collected quantitative data to evaluate the effect of the SCEI. This study was part of a larger study, which included the development of SCEI based on identified learning needs of Malaysian nurses. Using convenience sampling, 67 nurses were recruited, from cardiac wards at a tertiary hospital in Malaysia, to receive the education intervention. Data were collected at baseline, 1 month and 3 months’ after attendance at the SCEI workshop. Results: Response rates were 99% (at 1 month) and 87% (at 3 months). A repeated measures ANOVA showed that the education intervention had an effect on nurses’ knowledge (Wilks’ Lambda 0.341, F (2, 56) 54.00, p < 0.001, multivariate partial eta squared 0.66) and nurses’ practice (Wilks’ Lambda 0.848, F (2, 56) 5.023, p < 0.05, multivariate partial eta squared 0.15). Nurses’ attitude scores remained high at baseline, with no significant changes seen at follow-up. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that effective education based on nurses’ learning needs can increase knowledge, skills and practice. Developing and implementing education for nurses can have a positive impact on patient care by improving the application of smoking cessation interventions in clinical practice.