Pick up Malpractice! They went after my license.

Nurses General Nursing

Published

www.nso.com

A few months ago I was unjustly fired after a resident died, after my shift, and after she had been released from the emergency room. She had trouble swallowing something at lunch and another nurse suctioned her.

I was accused of neglect and reported to the state.

I only found out about it because I got a letter back saying, and I quote, "There is insufficient credible evidence to support that you are responsible for the alleged incident." Thank goodness for my unit clerk, who refused to change her story after being requested to by the DON. She told him, "I told the truth, and I'm not changing it."

Luckily I was cleared, but if I had to be fighting right new - whew!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am so sorry that this happened to you. I cannot imagine how scary something like that could be.

Thank God for honest people like your Unit Clerk...that is a rare breed and some people would say anything in order to please upper management. I couldn't do that to someone else.

I'm glad you were cleared.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Glad things worked out for you, Suesquatch.

Another prime example to have your own individual liability policy!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have never needed my insurance, thank God, but I have had it since I was a student and will never be without it. The chances of being sued may be slim, but if it ever happens I will be somewhat protected.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sue - did you sue the folks that fired you?! Man, I'm tired of sneaking dishonest people like that!

I'm glad everything worked out for you, tho!:balloons:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiac med-surg.

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[suesquatch]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

Up Vote Up Vote ×

WOW! That is horrible! I'm so glad that the unit clerk stood her ground!

We were told in nursing school that we didn't need additional insurance, that our employer would cover us. We were also told that if you had additional insurance, if there was a suit and your nursing actions were fine, if the attorney for the plaintiff found out about it, more likely than not, you would be dragged in.

Guess what I'll be getting in th near future?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.
WOW! That is horrible! I'm so glad that the unit clerk stood her ground!

We were told in nursing school that we didn't need additional insurance, that our employer would cover us. We were also told that if you had additional insurance, if there was a suit and your nursing actions were fine, if the attorney for the plaintiff found out about it, more likely than not, you would be dragged in.

Guess what I'll be getting in th near future?

We were told the same thing in my nursing class and at my orientation in the hospital I currently work at. Perhaps I should rethink this.:uhoh21:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have never needed my insurance, thank God, but I have had it since I was a student and will never be without it. The chances of being sued may be slim, but if it ever happens I will be somewhat protected.

Hmmmmm...I was under the impression that carrying put you at higher risk for being sued. :confused: Am I wrong?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hmmmmm...I was under the impression that carrying malpractice insurance put you at higher risk for being sued. :confused: Am I wrong?

Nobody but NSO and I know that I have . The school I attended stressed to us to ALWAYS carry our own insurance. If a family is suing a hospital and you were the nurse the hospital isn't going to back you up, which is the point of Suesquatch's post. You need to look out for yourself, because when the going gets tough you are going to be on your own.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

I think it is a fantastic thing that you posted this thread! It seems that many here have been advised against carrying their own insurance.

While I was in nursing school, they stressed the importance of having your own insurance over and over and OVER again. In fact, we had to take out a malpractice policy through NSO while we were students.

As soon as I got my license, I renewed my coverage. I don't trust the hospital to cover me. If they can find a way to pass the buck over to me, I am sure they would.

Please carry your own .

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho.

I tell all the new grads that i orientate to get it and dont let anyone know you have it. A facility will cover you IF you have gone by their policies and procedures to the letter, but one little mistep and your toast. They will hang you out to dry to save their behind so fast and without batting an eye. Keep yourself safe.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment