Liability Coverage.

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  1. Should nurses carry liability insurance?

12 members have participated

I was wondering how many of you ICU nurses carry personal . The nurses on my unit insist on not carrying it, including our charge who also works as a legal nurse consultant. She stated that she has seen lawyers go after nurses for simply having the insurance. I'm confused. So many things happen in a single shift, I'm sure we've all done something wrong at some point. Seems crazy to me that people truly think a 60,000/year employee is worth suing. But, people on this thread insist. What is your opinion on liability insurance.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I have it, but I'm new to ICU and had the insurance before I started. Regardless of whether or not it makes me an attractive target, I feel more comfortable WITH than WITHOUT.

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Specializes in ICU.

I've worked ICU for about 10 years & I have my own insurance. I just feel more comfortable knowing that my livelihood is backed by someone other than the hospital, who has their own agenda when problems arise. It's fairly inexpensive & I have never heard of a nurse being targeting due to having it. Do yourself & your license a huge favor... Get your own insurance, ICU or not.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

OP, I've heard the same as you. I still have my own coverage. For 100.00 a year it's well worth it. I do t wear a sign that says sue me I have X amount of coverage. My hospital doesn't know, my pts don't know nor do my co- workers. Lawyers will go after anyone involved in the case not those with insurance plus they wouldn't know about it until later.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Not just those with insurance. Sorry

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Who do you guys recommend? And for those of you who voted no, why?

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

I have NSO. Search insurance on here and you will get a bit more info

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I highly recommend sirI's article on carrying insurance: https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/should-i-carry-391596.html

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Specializes in ICU.

I have NSO also.

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I'm still on the fence. There's good points to both side.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

When a major suit is filed everyone who's name appears in the record is a target. The attorney has no way of knowing which staff, if any, have . They cast a wide net.

That said If the suit occurs after you leave the hospital the hospital policy might not cover you as you are no longer their employee. The hospital insurance company has every right to recover a judgement against you if you are deemed at fault and they have to pay. (Your own insurance policy would help protect your assets). The hospital policy is not going to defend you if you are accused of a HIPAA violation or you need to defend your license before the BoN--- a personal policy will. NSO or Marsh/ProLiability (the two major carriers) will also cover your expenses if you need to give a deposition or answer interrogatories.

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If you have no real assets, what the hell are they going to take from you lol??? I hear all the time nurses afraid of getting sued as if we make all this money. I do see your point with regards to having it for BON issues.

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