Stress, burnout and unsafe conditions were reported by members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation in its 2026 member survey.
Over two thirds (67%) of the survey’s respondents stated their current staffing levels and skill mix did not meet the required clinical and patient demands in their work area, and over 39% reported that their work negatively impacted their psychological wellbeing and almost a quarter (24.1%) reported attending their GP due to work related stress in the past 12 months.
The survey also shows staffing remains a major concern for members in 2026, with INMO members expressing concern about the safety of their patients.
Of the 61% of respondents who stated they had considered leaving their work area in the past month, 80% reported unsafe staffing levels. In relation to workplace staffing and workload pressures, almost half (46%) of respondents felt pressure to work additional hours or shifts.
The INMO released its annual member survey this morning at the launch of its 107th annual conference in Dundalk. The union says the conference theme Wellbeing, Safety and Solidarity, will bring a particular focus to the long term physical and psychological effects of staffing deficits, capacity shortages, and stress, and members will debate motions relating to staffing, safety concerns, and protecting their own health in increasingly challenging and dangerous workplaces.
