Nurse activity in Poland has reached a high level of organization and methodological development. It should be stressed that the system of nursing training is carried out not only of a medium level but also on a higher level leading to a Master's degree in nursing. High standards are set for nurses with respect both to their professional training and professional ethics. A constant tendency to improve professional and general knowledge among nurses had led recently to juridical regulations requiring that nurses holding managerial posts possess a higher education. A post-diploma system of nursing training resulted in the opening, in 1981, of facilities for professional specialization with the right to use the title of specialist nurse. A satisfactory situation concerning the employment of nurses and midwives as well as a auxiliary personnel in hospital wards has not yet been reached in Poland. It is therefore necessary to train auxiliary personnel for work in hospital wards. Discussions held in the nursing profession concerning the role of a Master's degree in nursing in the Polish system of health care must result in widening the nurse's responsibilities according to their level of education and intellectual potential. It is problematic whether specialized training of nurses should be carried out only in the post-diploma system. Properly prepared nursing staff for such specialized branches as pediatrics or psychiatry do not come out of this system. This problem should be discussed by nurses in the near future and appropriate measures adopted. The environment of professional nurses is characterized by great professional and social activity. They take part in state administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)