The nurses union is confident today's strike won't negatively impact patients

Bargaining between the Nurses Organisation and Health New Zealand is deadlocked, with workers opposing changes which would see a reduced number of nurses caring for patients.

They say it risks patient safety, and are walking off the job at every Te Whatu Ora facility nationwide between 11am and 7pm today.

Nurses' Organisation Chief Executive Paul Goulter says it's a necessary move.

He says it's what the nurses want, saying they're exasperated by the bargaining process.