Wednesday's nurses strike is going ahead, meaning thousands of surgeries and other appointments will be cancelled.
The Labour Court has decided not to formally get involved in the row over pay and staff retention.
Widespread disruption of services at every public hospital is expected.
The HSE says the action means it will not be a “normal day” for the Irish healthcare system.
37,000 nurses will refuse to work for 24 hours from 8am Wednesday.
Pay & Staffing
They're frustrated with pay, which they say is so low staff either won't take jobs or stay in jobs.
The action is leading to the widespread cancellation of services in all public hospitals and HSE-run facilities.
Patients are being urged to avoid going to hospital emergency departments and to expect increased delays in admission.
Eight hours of talks between the INMO, The HSE and government officials, ended without agreement last night.
