[Whispera]

A questions for those of you who work as a CNS. Do you have your own malpractice insurance even if the place that employs you also insures you? Do you think it's necessary? I need opinions to decide what I should do...thanks for your help.

[sirI]

Originally Posted by Whispera

A questions for those of you who work as a CNS. Do you have your own malpractice insurance even if the place that employs you also insures you? Do you think it's necessary? I need opinions to decide what I should do...thanks for your help.

I am not CNS, but, NP and yes, I think it is most wise to have your own private liability insurance. Even though you may be covered in a facility/institution. It is always a safe practice.

Hope this helps. Maybe the CNS individuals will answer, too.

[CaretakerNurse]

Not a CNS either, and not to be negative, but all facillities will look after themselves first. All nurses need their own insurance also. It's not too expensive and have never had to use mine but have some peace of mind knowing I have it.

[elkpark]

I'm a psych CS, and have always carried my own insurance (as a staff nurse, too). There are plenty of older threads here that debate (extensively) the pros and cons of personal liability insurance, that you can review if you're looking for more info to make a decision. I, personally, would never work a day without my own coverage, but there are plenty of people who feel differently.

As a psych CS without Rx authority, my annual premium did not even go up from what it was for me as a staff nurse -- of course, that could vary from state to state and company to company. Rx authority is what makes the big difference to the insurance companies, and the rates go 'way up if you're going to be Rx ing.