The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation say their members are not immune to food poverty.
The union's annual conference is taking place in Sligo and has heard how some nurses can't afford homes near work and are forced to commute long distances, while also relying on food banks.
It's also calling for more action to stop workplace assaults, saying at least seven nurses and midwives are being assaulted every day.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly praised their efforts ahead of addressing the conference:
"We'd all agree that they have represented the very best of us. They went to work day after day, after day, treating COVID patients but also keeping the rest of the system going".
