Purpose: Despite numerous evidence based preventive strategies of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) have been introduced, the incidence rate of VAP continues in an unacceptable range. The purposes of this review were to identify risk factors and diagnosis of VAP and to introduce current evidence based preventive strategies of VAP. Methods: A comprehensive literature search using keywords, including ventilator associated pneumonia were entered into a search engine. A number of highly pertinent papers relevant to the purpose of the review were identified. The papers that discussed specific preventive strategies of VAP were selected for analysis and inclusion in this review. Results: A number of evidence based preventive strategies that nurses can implement in their clinical practice to prevent VAP were identified. Such strategies include hand washing, use of protective gloves and gowns, oral care, stress ulcer prophylaxis, avoidance of unnecessary intubation, weaning protocol, sedation vacation, use of non-invasive ventilation, semi-recumbent position, continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions, and maintenance of proper endotracheal tube cuff pressure. Staff education is essential in preventing VAP. Conclusion: Preventive strategies of VAP should be applied to daily nursing care and each critical nurse should play a functional role in preventing VAP.