Talks between nurses' unions and health service employers over the A&E dispute were adjourned at 4 a.m. without agreement.
The talks at the Labour Relations Commission ended after 18 hours so that unions could consult with members on progress so far.
Meanwhile Accident and Emergency nurses are to continue their work to rule over the St Patrick's weekend. Hospitals have urged the public not to go to A&E departments except in emergencies.
The nurses' dispute began with a two-hour strike on Wednesday afternoon. Since then nurses have been refusing to perform duties such as applying plasters or intravenous drips except in life-threatening emergencies.
Many hospitals have coped by cancelling planned surgery and other elective treatment so that emergency patients can be treated on the wards.
The Commission’s chief executive, Mr Kieran Mulvey, who chaired the talks said some process had been made but that management and unions needed to consult on the situation.
The talks, which involve the Irish Nurses' Organisation, SIPTU and the Health Service Employers', are set to resume on Tuesday.