Malpractice insurance- when to seriously consider

[Equinox_93]

Would you worry about malpractice insurance as an STNA, or not until one got their LPN/RN license?

And- for those of you who do carry malpractice insurance- what is a ballpark figure on premiums?

[gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN]

Obtain the insurance while still in school. It may cost $100 or so a year, but, it's a comfort to know you have it, if it ever becomes necessary to use it,

[caliotter3]

We were forced to carry student insurance when I was in school. When I took my first job as a licensed nurse while still in school, I changed my policy to a regular one. For LPNs, the premium is around $89/year. One provider: http://www.nso.com.

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

The best time to get insurance is when you have something to lose!

It's just that simple. Premiums will vary, but they are generally very reasonable if you consider the alternative.

[tryingtohaveitall]

Exactly as Caliotter3 said, we were required to have it while in school and I have had it ever since, nearly 20 years now.

[rngolfer53]

The time to acquire professional Liability Insurance is as soon as you are liable for doing something wrong (actual or perceived). That starts the first time you touch a patient, whether you are a student or licensed nurse.

It's cheap, about $100/year. Plenty of people spend that on coffee in a month.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

For $100 a year it's worth every penny. You will get a lawyer that is on YOUR side only, not the hospital's, and that advice can make or break you.

[chevyv, BSN, RN]

I'm a new lpn and also just about finished with the adn program and have never had malpractice insurance. I'm going to be looking into this tomorrow. Can anyone tell me a little more about it? I always thought your place of employment covered you.... Can you all tell I'm in need of teaching!?

[caliotter3]

Your place of employment will cover themselves. If they think it is in their best interests to cover you, they will do so, but only so long as it remains in their best interest. You can read stories about nurses who got caught up in the myth that the employer takes care of them in case of a lawsuit. Go to the website of one of the providers, http://www.nso.com; there are examples given at this site of lawsuits and they do a good job of explaining the malpractice insurance product.