Malpractice Insurance/Health Insurance

Ok I'll be starting an accelerated BA-BSN program this August and I've heard mixed things about malpractice insurance. I've heard that as students we are covered under the hospital plan, but I've also heard that we should still carry the insurance. Does anyone have any advice on this issue? Also...I'm required by my school to carry health insurance but haven't had to find my own insurance in the history of the game. Any ideas on good websites to find good insurance that doesn't cost and arm and a leg?? (I've already reserved those to pay for school--hahaha!!) :rotfl:

[twarlik]

You can purchase student Liability Insurance through the Nurses Service Organization for only $20/year. You can find them online at http://www.nso.com.

As for health insurance...wish I had some good advice, but I'm in the same boat. Most schools offer a program for students, but in my experience it doesn't tend to be much cheaper than any other private policy, especially if you're 25 or older.

[DannyD]

I'm also on the same boat. I'll be starting the MSN-E in August. Here are the two health insurance providers I have found, www.fortishealth.com and www.ehealthinsurance.com. I don't know if their rates are any better than others. They have special plan for students.

Check it out.

[jenrninmi, MSN, RN]

Ok I'll be starting an accelerated BA-BSN program this August and I've heard mixed things about malpractice insurance. I've heard that as students we are covered under the hospital plan, but I've also heard that we should still carry the insurance. Does anyone have any advice on this issue? Also...I'm required by my school to carry health insurance but haven't had to find my own insurance in the history of the game. Any ideas on good websites to find good insurance that doesn't cost and arm and a leg?? (I've already reserved those to pay for school--hahaha!!) :rotfl:

I believe mine is through my nursing school.

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

I thought we were covered under the Liability Insurance we purchase as part of our tuition. Apparently not so. The mandatory insurance we purchase through the school covers the school from liability. Unless you have a copy of a policy in hand that has your name on it, YOU personally are not covered. In case of a lawsuit, every person whose name appears on a chart will be brought into a lawsuit. You don't have to do anything wrong to be joined in a lawsuit.

The NSA has liability insurance for something like $20 that gives excellent coverage. I will be purchasing that insurance before the end of the week. It would also be useful to have because I work as a tech. Do not assume that the school's lawyers are going to be looking out for you personally if there is a lawsuit.

[jenrninmi, MSN, RN]

I thought we were covered under the liability insurance we purchase as part of our tuition. Apparently not so. The mandatory insurance we purchase through the school covers the school from liability. Unless you have a copy of a policy in hand that has your name on it, YOU personally are not covered. In case of a lawsuit, every person whose name appears on a chart will be brought into a lawsuit. You don't have to do anything wrong to be joined in a lawsuit.

The NSA has liability insurance for something like $20 that gives excellent coverage. I will be purchasing that insurance before the end of the week. It would also be useful to have because I work as a tech. Do not assume that the school's lawyers are going to be looking out for you personally if there is a lawsuit.

OOF! This is something I'm going to have to check in to. I didn't know this! Thanks for the info!

[kathc]

I would check with clinical instructor. Ours told us that as students we were covered under her license and the school's insurance. Therefore if something goes wrong - it is her butt.

BUT I agree with RNKittyKat, getting your own probably isn't a bad idea. Like she said, when push comes to shove, I'm sure the school would have no problem pushing blame on the student if they could. I was told by my instructor that this is the same reason why we should carry malpractice insurance as nurses even if our employer does. The lawyer for the hospital will look out for thier best interest - which may not always be our best interest.

[twarlik]

I would check with clinical instructor. Ours told us that as students we were covered under her license and the school's insurance. Therefore if something goes wrong - it is her butt.

The belief that nursing students practice under their instructors license is a big misconception. Only the person who is awarded the license practices on it. As nursing students we work under an exception to the nursing practice act, meaning we are allowed to practice without a license, at least while we are in school. We are held accountable for everything we do, hence the need for Liability Insurance.

Don't be fooled into thinking that as nursing students we can't be sued. We can and there are several examples of cases where nursing students were sued for malpractice and lost.

[kathc]

Don't be fooled into thinking that as nursing students we can't be sued. We can and there are several examples of cases where nursing students were sued for malpractice and lost.

Thanks..I think I will get some before I start clinicals. Its only $20/yr, so it's well worth the money.