Personal liability insurance why or why not?

Nurses General Nursing

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Does anyone have personal , why or why not? I am doing a project for school, and have to ask a nurse about this, and review a liability insurance policy brochure.

THanks

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If you rely on the hospital's and you didn't follow policy and procedure 100% to the comma and period....you will not be covered by the insurance.

Having your own liability insurance might make you more susceptible to being named in a suit simply for the fact that you have .

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

For less than $100/year it is worth my peace of mind. After I paid off my house I felt really vulnerable.

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Having your own liability insurance might make you more susceptible to being named in a suit simply for the fact that you have malpractice insurance.

Who would know that you have ? One of our instructors told us not to get insurance for this reason, but you can still be named without having your own malpractice insurance, and then what? Hope your employer doesn't throw you under the bus?

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Specializes in PACU, OR.

Health Care is a very litigious field to work in. Any incident causing serious harm to a patient may result in lawsuits worth millions of $$$ being brought against every member of the team involved, and we all know how easy it is to make mistakes when we're tired and overworked.

Having adequate cover is wisdom, because there is one thing you can be guaranteed of; if you are found liable in a lawsuit, your employer is not going to cough up one cent to save the roof over your head and the clothes on your back...

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I have it and wouldn't work a second without it. It's pretty cheap and worth the peace of mind. Also, you don't need to tell anyone you have it. Get it today is always my advice when anyone poses the question. Better to be safe and protected than sorry one day.

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It's a myth that having makes you a bigger target for a malpractice lawsuit. You can be a target with it or without it. A malpractice lawsuit often names all kinds of people in the hope that someone will settle.

It's also a myth that you don't need protection if you have no assets. A negative judgment against you can attach to future earnings and assets.

Liability insurance covers you far better than the hospital's policy, especially when there is a conflict of interest or the administration is looking for someone to throw under the bus as a sacrificial lamb.

It also covers you when you're volunteering. The hospital policy only covers you when you're working for them.

You can get help if you are ever called upon to testify against someone else or if you are injured by a patient and need assistance with that kind of situation.

And finally, it just makes sense to get it. The cost of a year's coverage is usually less than the fee for one hour of attorney time. For me it's a no-brainer.

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It's a myth that having liability insurance makes you a bigger target for a malpractice lawsuit. You can be a target with it or without it. A malpractice lawsuit often names all kinds of people in the hope that someone will settle.

It's also a myth that you don't need protection if you have no assets. A negative judgment against you can attach to future earnings and assets.

Liability insurance covers you far better than the hospital's policy, especially when there is a conflict of interest or the administration is looking for someone to throw under the bus as a sacrificial lamb.

It also covers you when you're volunteering. The hospital policy only covers you when you're working for them.

You can get help if you are ever called upon to testify against someone else or if you are injured by a patient and need assistance with that kind of situation.

And finally, it just makes sense to get it. The cost of a year's coverage is usually less than the fee for one hour of attorney time. For me it's a no-brainer.

Excellent post and advice. Pls follow it.

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Should a new nurses purchase ? If so what are some of the recommended insurance companies that are used. I know that it would be beneficial if something happened, but what are the odds of something tragic happening in your nursing career.

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Specializes in PP, Pediatrics, Home Health.

In Canada all nurses according to the College of Nurses guidelines MUST have .I got it for $239 for the year through my regulating body.There are no if and's or but's here.We HAVE to carry it.

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Specializes in PP, Pediatrics, Home Health.

Definitely get to cover your butt!I am in Canada and got it through my regulating body(RPNAO).

I am not sure where you are though?

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I would say yes. You buy it for the same reason you buy insurance for your house, car, health, life, etc. You just never know what can happen.

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