Do you carry liability insurance?

Nurses General Nursing

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new nurse here full of questions today. the hospital i will be working for has that they carry. i understand this will protect me if something happens while practicing there. what i am wondering is if i need to take out a personal policy to protect my practice?

thanks so much for your help.

All nurses should have their own liability policy. We pay to insure everything of value to us..home, auto, flood (for me in Savannah, at least!), jewelry, boats, why wouldn't you insure your career so you can enjoy life? It usually costs around $90 for a bedside nurse, not a bad deal considering most policies pay you for travel, time off work, give you your own attoney who is looking out for you (not for the hospital), and usually a million per occurence.

I have been an expert witness for over 10 years now, and during depositions, it is not unusual for me to be deposed by the hospital, attorneys for the MD(s) and attorneys for the RN(s). The hospital is looking out for themselves, and will help you, but they have limitations. For example, they won't cover you if you deviated from hospital policy (good reason to be aware of the policies), and the hospital could cover you in a lawsuit, and then later sue you to recover damages paid because of you. It is rare, but it does happen.

:twocents:

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Specializes in Med-Surg, gynecology.

I am a new grad from an LVN program and will be working on an ICU step-down unit at an area hospital. I am interested in purchasing , but am unsure as to how to find a reliable company, how much coverage I should have, and so forth. Any suggestions or observations from experienced nurses related to this topic are very appreciated. Thanks to all who are nice enough to reply!

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I am a new grad from an LVN program and will be working on an ICU step-down unit at an area hospital. I am interested in purchasing liability insurance, but am unsure as to how to find a reliable company, how much coverage I should have, and so forth. Any suggestions or observations from experienced nurses related to this topic are very appreciated. Thanks to all who are nice enough to reply!

First thing to check on is the financial rating of the provider. NSO is one example that many on this board report using and at last check they were an "A". Whatever company you choose, make sure they have at least a "B+" rating. Look into companies you already have insurance through--home, life, health, auto--and see what they offer, if anything.

If you want to make a truly informed decision, take some time to familiarize yourself with key terms like tails, noses, occurrence, per claim, etc.

I'm a broken record, but make sure to read over the complete policy and make sure you understand everything and if you don't understand something, get/hire someone who can help you. Remember, THE BIG BOLD FACES TYPE IS WHAT THEY ARE GIVING YOU; the small type is what they are taking away.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I'm GN and I will be starting my job next week. Do sites of employment usually discuss getting with/for you or is that an individualized decision as to if you want to purchase it? I know in clinical settings we had to purchase our own, but I wasn't sure how it was handled in the workplace or if I should purchase it on my own. Thanks for your feedback.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Hi,

If you check out the general nurses forum there are a couple of really good threads on this same topic.

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One of my employers requested a copy of my policy when they hired me. I think I know what their position will be should there be a lawsuit. Other than this, none of my employers have ever brought up the subject.

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Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.

the school l'm going to requires that you provide your OWN . I called NSO and i got a quote and sine i'm already and LPN it's $98.00 per year and when i start school they will add the RN student liability for free. Now if i didnt already have my LPN license then it would just be $29.00 per year. I understand the importantance of having the extra liability insurance. And since i'm going to be working AND going to school this is a plus that i dont have to have two seperate policies.

Is this a good price for it? Does anyone have any other places to get quotes from? this is the place the school recommends but we can get liability insurance frow whereever we want to as long as we can show proof.

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I would like a bit of extra protection especially being a new grad. DO you carry liability or professional insurance? If so, what company do you use? What does it cover?

Pros? Cons?

Thanks!!!

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Nevermind, I found a ton of older threads with it

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Hello:

I have recently accepted a position as an RN Coordinator at an AL facility, dementia specific. There are 1 or 2 LPNs, who will function as CMAs, several CMAs, and CNAs, whom I am told will all practice under my license due to my delegating cares, treatments, etc. to them. (I have only started the job part time as I am not done at my previous job).

I am wondering about the importance of and if anyone has any advice about specifics for insurance?

Thanks --

Brand new member/Brand new RN Coordinator/Brand new to out-of-hospital nursing

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I've always purchased my own even when my employer tells me they have insurance. My policy costs about $99/year and I think covers up to 5 million....not too sure about that because, thank God, I've never had to use it. It's from the NSO...but I'm sure you could get covered through, or at least get info, from your state nurses' association.

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Specializes in ER CCU MICU SICU LTC/SNF.

i concur w/ the mermaid. for peace of mind, it's worth every penny.

"if the claim is legitimate and the patient is awarded a settlement or a jury verdict, you may be held responsible. your personal savings and future earnings could be subject to a lien, and, depending on where you live, your home and car may be, as well." http://nursing.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?cc=101969

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