Work-related stress, burnout and staffing shortages continue to place significant pressure on Ireland's nursing and midwifery workforce, according to the latest member survey published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

Reported by Medical Independent, the 2026 survey found that more than two-thirds of respondents believed staffing levels and skill mix in their workplaces were insufficient to meet clinical and patient care demands. Almost 40 per cent said their work had negatively affected their psychological wellbeing, while nearly one in four reported visiting their GP during the past year because of work-related stress.

The findings also highlight the impact of workforce shortages on staff retention. Of the 61 per cent of respondents who said they had considered leaving their current work area within the previous month, four in five cited unsafe staffing levels as a contributing factor. Almost half also reported feeling pressure to work additional hours or extra shifts to meet service demands.

The survey underscores the growing recognition of psychosocial hazards as a key component of workplace health and safety within healthcare settings. Alongside physical risks, employers are increasingly expected to manage factors such as excessive workloads, prolonged stress and staff fatigue, all of which can affect employee wellbeing, workforce sustainability and the quality of patient care.

The INMO said the results demonstrate the need for stronger workforce planning and greater emphasis on safe staffing policies to support both healthcare professionals and service delivery. The organisation also called for measures to better protect nurses and midwives from the long-term effects of workplace stress.

For health and safety professionals, the findings reinforce the importance of integrating mental wellbeing into occupational risk management strategies. Addressing staffing pressures, supporting employee resilience and reducing psychosocial risks are becoming increasingly important priorities for healthcare organisations seeking to maintain safe working environments while delivering high-quality patient care.