Talks at the Workplace Relations Commission to avert industrial action at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda have broken down.
A work-to-rule by members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation is to take place next Tuesday.
Nurses say they will be focusing on their clinical duties rather than non-essential administrative tasks.
The dispute concerns a shortage of nursing staff at the hospital which has over 100 whole-time equivalent posts unfilled.
Meanwhile, the INMO has claimed that a HSE suspension of recruitment of doctors, nurses and midwives will bring the health service to a 'shuddering halt' and will decimate patient services throughout the country.
Yesterday, the HSE said that "pending agreement and approval of a workforce plan for each Hospital Group, the groups have been advised of a requirement to pause on any further additions to payroll".
