Health service management is expected to invite the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation to talks next week in a bid to resolve a growing threat of industrial action over pay and staff shortages.
Nurses argue that only a 12% across the board pay rise will make nursing sufficiently attractive to address serious problems with staff recruitment and retention.
However the Public Service Pay Commission rejected that argument, opting instead for a €20 million package of allowances targeted at the worst hit parts of the health service.
Last month, 94% of INMO members rejected the PSPC proposals.
On Monday and Tuesday, the union's leadership will meet to decide their next move, which could include a ballot for industrial action.
Sources suggested the INMO-HSE meeting could be scheduled for Thursday 8 November.
The INMO today refused to attend a meeting of the Oversight Group for the Public Service Stability Agreement arguing they are not yet in dispute, and are awaiting a meeting with the employer side.
A source at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform said it was "unfortunate" that the INMO had not accepted the invitation to the Oversight Group to address current issues.
