BackgroundThe traditional roles of managers are insufficient in today’s evolving healthcare market. Therefore, they need to improve management practices through playing new roles. So the present study aimed to explore the roles of nurse managers in the context of Iranian health care system. MethodsA qualitative content analysis with semi-structured interviews was used in this study. The study settings included the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Nursing and Midwifery Schools, public hospitals, and Nursing Associations in Tehran, Iran. A purposive sample of twenty six nurse managers was recruited in this study. ResultsThe main theme found was “socio-political roles”, with the five subcategories as roles: “managing boundaries”, “integrator”, “convincing agent of change”, “governance of the profession”, and “promotion of the profession”. The study indicated by playing socio-political roles nurse mangers gained many advantages for the profession.ConclusionWhile studies have focused on the traditional roles of nursing managers, the concept of socio-political roles opens a new field of work. Hence, should be made to pay close attention to the significant roles of nursing managers in the current context of health care. In keeping pace with changes and by enacting their socio-political roles, nursing managers can facilitate the achievement of major professional and healthcare goals.