The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says it is open to discussing solutions to problems with overcrowding and working conditions.
The union announced plans for strike on the issues today, after 92% of members voted in support of a walk out.
Emergency Department nurses will begin the rolling action on December 15, with it set to continue into the new year.
The Taoiseach's encouraged nurses to enter further talks, saying that downing tools will not resolve the issue of people waiting on trolleys.
When asked if the INMO is willing to engage in talks, the INMO General Secretary, Liam Doran, gave this response.
"Of course. I do ask you to think of any other group of workers who have tolerated so much for so long and have been left wanting by their employer.
"Any initiative that will address the contingency measures and any initiate that will address the substantive issues, the INMO will always participate in but it requires the employer to do far more far quickly than it has done in the last few years."