Does a Contracted Nurse Position Need Malpractice Insurance?

[Cataholic]

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 Liability Insurance 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 malpractice insurance?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

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]

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]

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

[elkpark]

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

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

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

Have had malpractice insurance since I started as nurse in 1977; costing

[OldDude]

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.

[DistrictNurse19]

I agree with fellow posters--I would not dare practice nursing in any setting without my own malpractice insurance. 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