Although there are limited studies on the shift leader role, studies agree that it is a temporary management role. This requires management and leadership skills to improve productivity and results (Sellgren, Ekvall & Tomson, 2006). This essay will discuss the duties of a shift manager and the skills needed for the smooth running of a hospital department; and explore the challenges from the perspective of a newly qualified nurse. Being a newly qualified nurse can be a daunting experience, adjusting to having control and being responsible for the care patients receive; Furthermore, ensuring that high quality care is provided at all times has been reported to be a stressful time for nurses (Brown & Edelman, 2000). Many nurses report that the pressure of their responsibilities is amplified by the constant worry of losing their nursing registration should their practice be questioned (Whitehead 2001). Nurses should be supported during this transition period, however it is inevitable and sometimes uncontrollable that at some point the newly qualified nurse will need to take the lead on a shift. For this reason, in the late 1990s, the UK Central Council considered it appropriate to redesign nursing education to ensure that nurses were trained in both providing and directing care (UKCC, 1986); Incorporate management and leadership skills training into nursing education. The shift manager must be aware of all patient care, organize staff, assist staff, and complete tasks within deadlines (Krugman & Smith, 2003). To achieve these goals, the nurse must possess time management skills, be able to prioritize work considering multidisciplinary teams, be able to delegate, encourage teamwork, be able to assist staff when necessary and have positive communication. paper ......delusion management and leadership skills greatly help nurses in managing staff and patients. Nurses believe that the role of shift leader is a highly responsible role for patient care and close supervision is an important factor in the role (Goldblatt, Granot, Admi & Drach-Zahavy, 2008). Given the complexities of a hospital department, managing it efficiently and successfully is a good leadership quality. This skill appears to be more effective with regards to staff morale, efficiency in time management and overall good functioning of the department. Leadership is a key skill for a more successful and balanced department where patient well-being is at the center (Borbasi and Gaston, 2002). Leaders should be able to encourage and support staff to test new skills in a safe environment (West-Burnham,1997). Nurses who apply management and leadership skills together gain the respect of their colleagues (Bondas, 2006).