The INMO says nurses should be given a ten day break from work when the pandemic passes.
The organisation claims nurses are exhausted after putting in an extraordinary effort over the last year.
Thanks to all our contributors this morning at our 102nd #INMOADC. Conference will be hearing from An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD at 4.20 pm, with a live stream available at https://t.co/4QvWQKAtFP pic.twitter.com/C5zVRatOLr
— Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (@INMO_IRL) May 6, 2021
"We Need More Than Just Claps"
Nurse Moira Wynne says there needs to be more than claps and pats on the back after what nurses have been through over the last 14 months.
The INMO submitted the request for a ten day respite for it's members post-pandemic to the health service last November but has yet to receive a response.
Moira says the break would give her some head space.
"It's time not to have to think about having to go to work."
One time I said hello and introduced myself to an intubated, unconscious patient in the ICU. Someone else scoffed/giggled. I then proceeded to explain to the patient every step of the procedure we did. No regrets.
— Kelsey, MD, MPH (@KelseyObGyn) May 4, 2021
Questions Around Logistics
However with 42,000 members, questions have been raised about the logistics of organising the time off.
IMNO General Secretary of Phil Ní Sheaghdha says they're willing to negotiate how the respite is provided.
"We're quite happy to look at how the respite would be applied."
"What we're not happy with, is that we've gotten no response from Government."
INMO members will debate an emergency motion on the issue at the annual conference tomorrow morning.
