The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) is to meet with the HSE this afternoon ahead of a planned strike in a week's time.
The talks at the Workplace Relations Commission are aimed at averting the strike action.
Next Wednesday is the first planned strike date, with five other strike days planned for February if the dispute continues.
The nurses' union says that low levels of pay have left the public health service unable to recruit and retain enough nurses and midwives to safely care for patients.
The Government, however, insists there's already a public pay deal in place - arguing that reaching a separate agreement with nurses would lead to other public sector pay claims.
INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that even though "no serious proposals" have been brought forward so far, she's hopeful progress can be made at the today's talks.
She explained: "We believe there is ample room within the public service stability agreement to reach an agreement.
"We believe that that focus has to be brought to bear today when we meet the employers and government representatives at the WRC."
She also stressed that contingency plans are being made in the event that the strike goes ahead.
Talks on the contingency plans are to continue right up until January 30th, with Mrs Ní Sheaghdha adding: "We've spent a lot of time meeting the HSE, and we have confirmed that we will provide life-preserving services."
