The present study discusses selected, most important issues associated with professional and social adaptation of nurses at the new workplace. The study presents a detailed characteristics of professional adaptation and describes key factors determining the course of professional adaptation such as: recruitment process, job description, work environment, tasks of the supervisor of professional adaptation, as well as the role of qualifications and competence of an employee in the process of professional and social adaptation at the new workplace.

Key words: professional adaptation, social adaptation, nurses, employment.