The ongoing imposition of cutbacks in the health service is expected to dominate the annual conference of the Irish Nurses Organisation in Co Cavan over the coming days.
Hundreds of nurses are set to attend the three-day gathering, which gets underway today.
Delegates will debate a motion of no confidence in the Health Service Executive and will also consider ways to resist the HSE's recruitment freeze.
The INO says it is not ruling out the possibility of strike action if its concerns are not addressed.
Hi: 13°C / Lw: 7°C
Rangers fans clash with police after TV failure
Disease, hunger and thirst threatens survivors
More shocking images in the aftermath of earthquake
Did pope finance King Billy's invasion of England?
Christian Brothers retreat from education
Berlin's four-day party to celebrate world cultures
Police officers are injured as car fails to stop
Taoiseach's last day spent with Big Ian at Boyne centre
Belfast Telegraph's glittering gala ceremony
Agent Provocateur's revealing lingerie launch
Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition
Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women
Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire
Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala 
Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel