Concerns related to the role of nurse managers in Ireland were identified by the Commission on Nursing who recommended a framework to address these concerns paying particular attention to the role of first line nursing and midwifery management. The combination of managerial functions and clinical/professional leadership required of first line managers calls for a significant level of managerial competence together with clinical credibility. Four functions of the first line nurse manager were identified as professional/clinical leadership, staffing and staff development, resource management...