61.3% of Irish Nurses Considered Leaving Jobs Amid Stress, Overcrowding

Sarah Meagher, a former emergency medicine nurse at Letterkenny University Hospital for 22 years, shifted roles due to the stress and physical demands. Now a clinical nurse manager, she still observes immense pressure, noting that one nurse might care for 30-40 undiagnosed patients in the emergency department, representing the highest risk.

Meagher, an INMO executive council member, highlighted that patients in her hospital now wait not only for beds but also for trolleys, often sitting in wheelchairs for 24 hours. She expressed heartbreak over being unable to provide optimal care due to systemic issues.

A survey by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), published Wednesday, revealed 61.3% of nurses and midwives considered leaving their jobs in the past month. Workplace stress (27.3%) and feeling undervalued (23.6%) were primary reasons. Over two-thirds (67%) reported inadequate staffing and skill mix, with 39% citing work impact on psychological wellbeing and 24.1% attending a GP for work-related stress in the last year.

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha called the increased intent to leave a «standout finding» that could be remedied by correct staffing levels. Despite HSE claims of reducing trolley waits and an increase of 9,248 nurses and midwives between 2020-2025, the INMO reported last month was the worst April on record for overcrowding. HSE West and Northwest stated patient safety is paramount and initiatives are underway to reduce overcrowding in Letterkenny.