The Irish Nurses' Organisation has called for 250 extra student nurses to be recruited this year. At present, the INO estimates there is a shortage of between 800 and 1,000 general nurses in the greater Dublin area alone.
It said the total intake of student nurses should be raised to 1,500 next year and be maintained at that level for three years. According to Department of Health figures, the intake of students increased this year from 895 to 1,090. Ms Lenore Mrkwicka, assistant general secretary of the INO, said the shortage had been fuelled by attractive job opportunities overseas and work-related stress.
She also said some of the blame rested with employers who "in many cases have not treated temporary nurses very well".