Selecting malpractice insurance provider

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Was interested in hearing how much liability amount you get...and who is the provider? I used to have this back when I was full time through NSO I think it was but when I went prn I let it lapse. However, here lately our DON is write-up/suspension/termination happy, and I'm thinking it is about time I get back on something. How much coverage and through who do you all recommend?

Thanks and blessings, Michelle

None at all. Carrying private makes you an unnecessary target in any civil litigation. Don't do it. It won't help you in criminal prosecution and in civil cases you're much better off letting the plaintiff go after the hospital rather than you (they want money and I don't think it's presumptuous to say that the hospital has much more than you do).

I have to disagree with top post. When we were about to graduate, the one thing our professors drilled into our heads is to get your own malpractice. (NSO for me). There's been so many cases where the hospital would get sued for malpractice. After the client sues the hospital, the hospital can turn their back and sue YOU. (true event). If anything, having insurance will keep you safe in an event this happens. I can't imagine if you made a mistake that is not according to hospital protocols, & you have no insurance to back you up.

Specializes in PACU.
None at all. Carrying private malpractice insurance makes you an unnecessary target in any civil litigation. Don't do it. It won't help you in criminal prosecution and in civil cases you're much better off letting the plaintiff go after the hospital rather than you (they want money and I don't think it's presumptuous to say that the hospital has much more than you do).

That's why you get and DON'T TELL ANYONE (especially not patients and management!) at work. You can get sued regardless of whether you have insurance or not. The only real ways to protect your assets are malpractice insurance (cheap and easy) and having everything protected using trusts and such. You might not have MUCH money, but an angry family member might try to take what little you have just to stick it to you. Having your wages garnished for the rest of your life would totally suck.

I have coverage through NSO, which seems decent. I've never used it, thankfully, but you never know. All it takes is one mental lapse or one family member who can afford a lawyer and who can't accept that negative outcomes happen even in the absence of negligence to cause a whole lot of hurt.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I have NSO. No problems - have kept a policy with them since 1990.

Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

I also have NSO with the maximum liabilities. I would have to look up the coverage to name an amount. It is well worth the price.

They also pay for representation for any state board of nursing issues. That is priceless to me.

I just got NSO for a case management position. I was required to get $1 mil per claim/$6 mil aggregate. Cost $174 per year for part time, roughly twice that for full time.

I was reluctant to get it because I am of the opinion of a previous poster that it makes you a target for a greedy lawyer.

Specializes in ER, OR, PACU, TELE, CATH LAB, OPEN HEART.

I have NSO, I do ER, OR, PACU, Tele, Cath Lab, Endo, Open Heart,Occupational Health. Cost for 1M per occurrance/6M aggregate is $107/year. Even if you follow policy, protocol, if one letter of policy was negligent Hospital WILL go after you if they loose in court. Protect yourself and your assets. Especially your retirement and your children's future. Get insurance, just don't broadcast to others that you have it.

Specializes in PACU, CARDIAC ICU, TRAUMA, SICU, LTC.

I have had NSO for 28/30 years I have been a nurse. Recently, I decided to call them for specifics on coverage. They will only reimburse attorney fees to the tune of $150/hour, up to $10,000. I live in the Northeast; attorneys in the state where i reside charge way above $150/hour. Examine your policy closely. I am now ISO of better coverage.

Specializes in PACU, CARDIAC ICU, TRAUMA, SICU, LTC.

Just checked NSO's web site. They now advertise they will cover up to $25,000 for attorney reimbursement for licensure protection. Will call them for more info.

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