NP + RN - can I do both part time?

Specialties NP

Published

Hi there,

I'm looking for a little advice. I'm finishing up my DNP program and will begin working as a PMHNP in the summer. I'm really looking forward to it.

However, I started out in the ED and still love it. I want to always keep my "foot in the door" as a bedside RN.

Can I work per diem as an RN in an ED while working as an NP elsewhere? I haven't come across any scope of practice mandates that say I HAVE to work to my highest license. Anyone else doing this??

allnurses Guide

BostonFNP, APRN

2 Articles; 5,581 Posts

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

It is possible, sure.

There are some potential legal concerns so make sure at least you carry your own .

MurseJJ

2 Articles; 466 Posts

Specializes in Neurosurgery, Neurology.

A colleague works both as an RN on our neuro step-down and as a neuro NP at a different hospital (at least for now).

mmak

24 Posts

Would you still recommend that I get my own insurance if my PMHNP employer is paying for my insurance?

Specializes in DHSc, PA-C.

Yes, you can do both. You (should) make more money as a PMHNP and it would be more lucrative to just do that full time and then work PRN in the ED. You don't have to make sure you have your own malpractice just because you work both, but you should research as to why some providers recommend carrying your own additional malpractice. In my experience, I have never met a PA/NP covered by an employer insurance who purchased their own policy. The exception is when you have a claims-made policy and your crappy employer doesn't provide tail coverage for instance.

elkpark

14,633 Posts

Will the insurance provided by your employer cover you when you are working as a bedside RN for another employer?

Specializes in DHSc, PA-C.

Needs two separate policies for two different jobs. An employer policy covering NP work will not cover RN work at another employer.

allnurses Guide

BostonFNP, APRN

2 Articles; 5,581 Posts

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

You absoluetly need your own policy don't count on your employers especially if working in two roles at two facilities.

Specializes in DHSc, PA-C.
You absoluetly need your own policy don't count on your employers especially if working in two roles at two facilities.

Any studies or literature to further support this?

I've seen a few bad cases in which the provider didn't do there homework and got screwed, but for sure the exception and not the rule. If you have proper coverage/limits on an employer paid for policy, then you may not need any additional coverage. It doesn't matter how many employers you have or just one job. Every job needs it's own policy if they are not the same entity and/or scope of practice. How many RNs get there own policy?

allnurses Guide

BostonFNP, APRN

2 Articles; 5,581 Posts

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
Any studies or literature to further support this?

I've seen a few bad cases in which the provider didn't do there homework and got screwed, but for sure the exception and not the rule. If you have proper coverage/limits on an employer paid for policy, then you may not need any additional coverage. It doesn't matter how many employers you have or just one job. Every job needs it's own policy if they are not the same entity and/or scope of practice. How many RNs get there own policy?

Just do a quick google search you will find loads of info. Most employer-based insurance is claims-made and will not cover you if you change jobs unless an additional tail is purchased, is relatively low per-incident (and often distributed among all providers), and will absolutely not cover you for anything that occurs outside of work for that employer.

All RNs should have it as well and many do, it's fairly cheap (1/6mil policy for about $100/yr for RNs).

allnurses Guide

hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I

4 Articles; 5,044 Posts

Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Would you still recommend that I get my own insurance if my PMHNP employer is paying for my insurance?

In my humble opinion any nurse who is not carrying personal malpractice/liability insurance is asking for trouble. I f you make a mistake bad enough to get you sued YOUR FACILITY WILL NOT BACK YOU UP. It also kind of depends on what you have to lose. If you own a home you can lose it. Attorney retainer fees can run into the thousands. I carry a million dollar policy which is not too expensive since I have carried since I was in nursing school.

Hppy

JerseyBSN

163 Posts

You can definitely do both. No law against it. There is one issue which the hospital informed me of. If you ever get in a lawsuit you will be held to the standards of your highest degree. I would keep NP and RN insurance for that reason.

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