Introduction and aim. The introduction presents various definitions and types of stress, it also describes stress as a factor which can influence people in a way of mobilisation or destruction. The aim of the research focuses on the question how stress affects the work of professional nurses. Material and methods. The research on the stress professional burnout among nurses in the SOR (Hospital Emergency Department) ZZOZ (Health Care Facilities) Cieszyn was carried out in the period from June to September 2014. The study included all nurses (32 women) working in the emergency department of Zespół Zakładów Opieki Zdrowotnej (Health Care Facilities) in Cieszyn. The research method was a diagnostic survey conducted by means of the questionnaire and interview techniques. Results and conclusions. The difference in work experience of nurses did not affect the results. The study shows that the most common source of stress for nurses is the excessive number of patients. A conversation and support from the supervisor helps nurses in stressful situations. The respondents do not feel professional burnout.

Key words: nursing staff, stress, hospital department, professional burnout.