Malpractice insurance

The hospital doens't "cover everything", the hospital covers itself.

It's foolish not to have your own insurance. Don't rely on the hospital to save you...

I've heard this argument many times before. I have had my own policy of nursing malpractice insurance since I began my career many years ago. Over the years I've seen too many times when the big businesses cover themselves and leave the little guy in the dust. After all, there are plenty of nurses around; we are much easier to replace than even a doctor is. I believe this is one reason why hospitals protect themselves first, the doctors second and the nurses last. I plan to continue covering myself with a personal policy until I retire. Wishing you good luck in whatever decision you make.

I've heard this same argument as well. When I pass boards I plan on having my own malpractice insurance, as I was told it's ridiculous not to, as the hospital absolutely doesn't cover everything. I do not plan on *advertising* the fact that I have malpractice insurance, as to say "Hey, sue me I have insurance!" No.

It's always better to be safe than sorry!

I too have heard this exact same argument. In fact, at my hospital's site orientation, our risk manager was asked about insurance and she said that they recommend you not getting your own insurance, because the hospital covers you, and it will just bring attention to yourself. Lawyers will be more likely to name you personally in the suit if you have insurance, because they can get more money out of you. Because of this, I haven't purchased my own insurance, but now I am thinking it would be a good idea. Are there any companies in particular that anyone would recommend?

I've heard that the hospital covers you, but never that lawyers will look for you if you have your own insurance. Approximately how much do people pay for their own insurance & where do you look for something like that?

The hospital will cover themselves.

Your own malpractice insurance will cover you. And for less than $100/year ..... it's a good deal for a great peace of mind.

Check out http://www.nso.com/

I've had NSO insurance since starting my nursing career & highly recommend it. I pay $89 per year; for about $7.40 per month it gives me peace of mind as well. The NSO has ads in many nursing journals too which is how I signed up initially many years ago (before the internet existed) but I'm sure connecting with them on the web would be terrific.

The hospital is out for the hospital. If it benefited them they would hang your butt out to dry before you knew it was wet.

http://www.nso.com

NSO also has a great deal for new grads--1/2 for the first year! It's less than $50.

No excuse not to have malpractice insurance.

Thanks so much for all the input! I'm definitely going to purchase some malpractice insurance! Better to be safe than sorry!

It is foolish to not have your own insurance. If you do not follow hospital policy and procedure to the tee, then the hospital is going to throw you to the wolves. They are out to protect themselves and that is it. I have seen this once in all my years at the hospital and it was not pretty. So, unless you know that you will practice perfectly and follow every policy and procedure down to the crossing of t's and dotting of i's, you really need to invest in it. They are not going to come after you because you have insurance. And NSO also covers you if you are assaulted on the job.