[Aim of the study: To monitor the changes in job satisfaction and well-being of nurses and to investigate whether the uncertainty caused by the reorganisation of workplaces affected their well-being. Sample and methods: Two cross-sectional studies were conducted in six Hungarian teaching hospitals in 2003 and in 2010 involving full time worker female inpatient care nurses who were asked to complete a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Results: The degree of acknowledgement and psychological strain at the workplace decreased significantly since the first survey. The autonomy at work dropped which is reflected by the diminished decision making and fewer opportunities to plan the working methods, work tasks, pace of work and jobs. Nurses evaluate the working community as worse, but the judgement of the head nurses did not change in 7 years. The rate of positive well-being significantly decreased since 2003, although the extent of negative well-being did not change. Conclusions: The job satisfaction of nurses decreased and the uncertainty at workplace affects their well-being.]

[Aim of the study: The author’s aim was to present the Point of Care Testing (POCT) laboratory diagnostic methods used during the treatment of emergency cases, on the basis of feedback from paramedical professionals. The survey also investigated the opportunities using the procedure more widely, in keeping with the specifi c professional requirements of the various departments. Methodology and sample: The data was gathered in Budapest, at various departments of the Hungarian National Defence Hospital. A name-based sampling method was used, and the quantitative research involved a prospective cross-sectional, descriptive correlation study using an internet-based questionnaire survey. Results: Based on the opinions of paramedical professionals at the surveyed departments, a signifi cant difference was demonstrated in the ranking of the types of POCT clinical tests. The procedure proved to be exceptionally useful in the treatment of acute cases, although the perception of its effectiveness differed between departments. Conclusions: Priority needs to be given to propagating the theoretical aspects and deepening the practical skills related to POCT clinical procedures. Based on a complex survey of several departments, the POCT procedures proved to be quick, accurate and economical, provided that the paramedical professionals have the appropriate theoretical grounding.]

[Hypovitaminosis D has emerged as a risk factor for multiple adverse outcomes, including cardiovascular and cancer related morbidity and mortality. Observational studies along with laboratory investigations have lead to the discovery of the pleiotropic effects of vitamin D which affect a variety of physiologic processes such as blood pressure regulation, cell proliferation or the modulation of inflammation, and may account for the many negative clinical outcomes associated with hypovitaminosis D. Our article reviews studies that describe the incidence and prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, and the various adverse outcomes that low serum vitamin D has been linked with. This review will provide the reader with a better understanding of why vitamin D is currently regarded as a very promising area of research to try and lower adverse outcomes in a variety of patient groups and in the general population, with the main emphasis on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Most of our discussion on the harmful effects of hypovitaminosis D will concentrate on conditions related to cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality due to the significance of these in patients with CKD, with less mention of other deleterious effects related to low vitamin D levels such as malignancies.]

[Aim of the research: To assess the occupational duties and responsibilities of nurses in relation to clinical trials in Hungary. Research and sampling methods: Self-administered questionnaire was used among the colleagues working in the field of clinical trial and IBM SPSS 22.0 software using descriptive statistical methods was performed. Results: It was found that the majority of nurses complete the duties of a study coordinator and the task of a study nurse simultaneously. They were involved in everyday activities that characterise the assistance of patients and in the management of paper-based documentation during clinical trials. Lack of knowledge in English language was identified for the reason of reduced-functionality of nurses in 59 cases. Conclusions: nurses have complex responsibilities, although they meet the requirements when it comes to the professional tasks and documentation obligations, but in the case of more complicated professional challenges nurses get fewer opportunities, mainly because of their poor English skills.]

[The purpose of nursing is always the same: to restore a patient’s health, and provide help during his or her illness. Findings demonstrate that nursing already had an important role thousands of years before Christ. Broken bones, healed skull trepanations and joint diseases can be discovered in early findings. Caring for injured members of the same species cannot be seen, but in the case of elephants and dolphins, who provide company to the suffering member. The rest of the animals simply let the injured die. The author reviews the history of this remarkable activity, and introducing it from the beginning to our days, with particular regard to the milestones in Hungary.]