Does a Contracted Nurse Position Need Malpractice Insurance?

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I am not a regular employee of the school where I work. I am a contract employee. They tell me that I am covered under their general but I would need to get a policy in my own name if I want coverage for malpractice. My question: do I really need it? Are there any contracted school nurses out there and if so, do you have your own ?

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Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN

6 Articles; 11,658 Posts

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Not a school nurse, but I do indeed have my own policy. Why? Because I want someone looking out only for me, not someone else with me as an afterthought. Because it provides other services, such as representation in front of the BON and coverage for HIPAA violations (not that I plan to need either of those services). At a whopping cost of just over $100/year, it's worth it to me.

One of my favorite AN articles about the topic: Should I Carry Malpractice (Liability) Insurance?

Windchaser22

408 Posts

Specializes in School nurse.

I have my own malpractice and its a bargain at $125/yr. like RoseQueen said, I want someone looking out for me, just in case.

Cataholic

2 Posts

Thank you for your input. I will be sure to read the article.

elkpark

14,633 Posts

I would never practice a single day as a nurse in any setting, under any employment conditions, without my own coverage.

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NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN

10 Articles; 18,280 Posts

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.
I would never practice a single day as a nurse in any setting, under any employment conditions, without my own coverage.

Have had since I started as nurse in 1977; costing

OldDude

1 Article; 4,787 Posts

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
Not a school nurse, but I do indeed have my own policy. Why? Because I want someone looking out only for me, not someone else with me as an afterthought. Because it provides other services, such as representation in front of the BON and coverage for HIPAA violations (not that I plan to need either of those services). At a whopping cost of just over $100/year, it's worth it to me.

I could not agree more!!! Look for a policy that covers you in the event you need to defend yourself, regardless....not just for being accused of negligence...especially in the school setting.

I agree with fellow posters--I would not dare practice nursing in any setting without my own . We live in a sue-happy society and I would not want to trust that my employer would look out for my bests interests. Besides, I have heard about cases whereas the employer sued their own nurse...SCARY

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