Background: Not all the first line nurse managers have the same levels of leadership attributes so that being effective or ineffective nurse managers depends on the level of attributes she/he has. Aim: Determining the first line nurse managers′ attributes and work stress level. Study design: Descriptive research design was used. Setting: Conducted at Assiut University Hospitals. Subject: First line nurse managers no.= 77 Methods: The data were collected using two tools; I- Structured self-administer questionnaire including; a) Personal data sheet, b) Assertiveness scale, c) Personal accountability checklist, d) Johari Window Questionnaire, and e) Protective Nursing Advocacy Scale II- Perceived work stress scale. Results: The study revealed that the highest percent of the first line nurse managers were not-assertive (72.7%), having high level of accountability (59.8%), had open level of awareness (16.9%), advocating others (85.7%), and had moderate level of stress (83.1%).Conclusion: There was negative relation between the first line nurse managers′ attributes and work stress level. Recommendation: Implementing continuous educational programs for nurse managers to improve nurse awareness, and assertiveness