The objective of this study is to identify the relationships between the roles and management functions of the head nurse and handover practices. A cross-sectional method is applied using a simple random sampling technique, arriving at sample of 266 nurses. The research instruments were demographic data (A), head nurse role and management function (B), and handover (C) questionnaires; validity and reliability tests were carried out. The questionnaires were valid and reliable. Data analysis was carried out in bivariate and multiple linear regression. Results indicated relationships among the roles (p = 0.0001) and management function of the head nurse (p = 0.0001) and handover practices. The factor that most influenced handover was the organizing function of the head nurse (beta value = 1.301). The more effective the role and management function of the head nurse, the more effectively handover will be implemented. © 2020 Elsevier España, S.L.U.