Liability issues

nurs26 · Feb 6, 2014

Yes. The children are no longer under your care after school hours.

fetch, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2014

We have an after-school program at several schools that used to have a special "after school nurse" as well but due to budget, that position got cut. That means that several nurses in my district have to close their doors and pretend to not be there if they stay after to do paperwork, for the exact issue you raise. It's open to liability issues.

Side note, how are they getting in the building to see you after hours? All our doors lock, so when the neighborhood kids come to use the playground they can't get back inside.

Flare, ASN, BSN · Feb 6, 2014

Also - talk to your union rep if you are unionized - if you are being obliged to see these kids after contracted hours then they are breaching your contract. I mean an emergency (and i mean life and limb) is one thing - but my suspicion is that this is more of a bump and bruise and bandaid type situation

NurseKitKat · Feb 13, 2014

I think as long as you are there during your "school hours" 8-4 (or whatever you work) you are covered for students who have not left the building, but students who have left and came back...I would make it clear you can't touch that!

coughdrop.2.go, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2014

If you have nursing Liability Insurance, if you don't you should!) you can call the company and ask if you would be liable for if something goes wrong after school hours. I am also assuming the Good Samaritan Law might take in to affect if not.

If you don't have insurance check out NSO! $100 a year for about $6 million in coverage.

Professional Liability Insurance for nurses, nursing medical malpractice.

feelix, RN · Feb 24, 2014

Thank you all, my principal sent me a terse email saying I was hired as the health care provider for the campus and she does not want to hear the question of who is responsible for care again. It is like my way or highway. I am looking around for other possibilities.

When I joined the union, they told me that their insurance covers me and I don't have to buy liability, but I am not sure about anything.

I took it up to nursing administration but did not get a clear answer. I am just looking to complete the contract.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Feb 24, 2014

Thank you all, my principal sent me a terse email saying I was hired as the health care provider for the campus and she does not want to hear the question of who is responsible for care again. It is like my way or highway. I am looking around for other possibilities.
****When I joined the union, they told me that their insurance covers me and I don't have to buy liability, but I am not sure about anything.****
I took it up to nursing administration but did not get a clear answer. I am just looking to complete the contract.

Be sure about your liability by getting your OWN malpractice insurance; then you can be "sure" about any potential legal issues.

coughdrop.2.go, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2014

Thank you all, my principal sent me a terse email saying I was hired as the health care provider for the campus and she does not want to hear the question of who is responsible for care again. It is like my way or highway. I am looking around for other possibilities.
When I joined the union, they told me that their insurance covers me and I don't have to buy liability, but I am not sure about anything.
I took it up to nursing administration but did not get a clear answer. I am just looking to complete the contract.

What does your contract list how many hours you work? My contract says that I work 7 hour days so your Principal should pay you any and all overtime for working outside of your work hours otherwise you will file a grivenace with your Union.

Also, the Union should have never said you don't need your own insurance. Yes you do because their insurance company works for them and not you. Your own insurance has your interest in mind without having to be "loyal" to the union. $100 a year is totally worth it. You're welcome to go through the Union's insurance, but you can use yours in-conjunction to make sure you're being represented correctly and everything is on the up and up. Nothing wrong with having double insurance.

feelix, RN · Feb 25, 2014

Thank you all.

mandm97, RN · Feb 28, 2014

I agree with all of the above! One question...are you staying after your assigned hours and since you are there, they will seek you out? If so....I would make sure to leave at the end of your working day ( I know easier said then done). If you are still there because those are your hours...I would definitely get your own insurance and keep a copy of all communication to/from your Principal and Union in your own "private" file. That way if something happened.....you can prove that you where given no support.

feelix, RN · Mar 16, 2014

The grounds are open and we have portables where teachers and cleaning staff work late. Somehow we keep doors to the main building unlocked so the people working outside can come and go.