malpractice insurance

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Specializes in OB, ER.

Do you have it and is it necessary? I have been a nurse for 8 years and have never had it. I was under the impression that your employer would cover you if something happened on the job. I have also been told that if you have insurance you are a more likely target?

If you do have it where to you get it? How much coverage do you need? How much does it cost?

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www.nso.com

The NCLEX now has questions regarding this, and guess what? The answer is YES.

Don't leave home without it.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept, ICU.

I used to carry it but then got sued and because I was working at the hospital, risk managment handled the whole suit and I never even used it (they sued the hospital too). So I dropped the insurance. (that case was malicious so it didnt even make it to trial. )

However now I work for a hospital who has horrible patient safety practices and often does not follow joint commision standards, and if I ever got sued while working here I wouldn't want the hospital representing me so I have added the back on again.

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Specializes in psych,maternity, ltc, clinic.

I've always had it. Never had to use it, thank God, and hopefully never will. I have it thru NSO listed above.

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Specializes in ER / Med-Surg.

nso seems to be the winner - i also had it. been out of the clinical environment a few years, but plan to re-up when i go back. you can never be to safe in this world of sue-happy individuals. (especially when it is your financial future at risk in such poor economic times.)

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Every nurse I've talked to, include legal nurse consultants and nursing lawyers, say YES! And, so far, they all get it from NSO. The hospital covers their own butt at the end of the day. You are not more likely to be targeted because they have no way of knowing you have the insurance until you are already being sued. Also, your insurance will provide you an attornye if you have to go up against the BON and covers you for anything outside work. RN coverage is around $100/yr. It may be higher for you if you work in ER, but it's still pretty cheap. I would say- yes, yes, yes!! It's like a spare tire or a car charger for your cell. You may not ever need it, but if you do and don't have it- you're in bad shape.

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Don't leave home without it.

Yup. I wouldn't step foot into work without it.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Yes indeed - have had my own since I was an LPN student. Worth every penney.

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Specializes in ER, telemetry.
The hospital covers their own butt at the end of the day.

Exactly.

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Specializes in ER,ICU,L+D,OR.

Never carry it.

I do have an legal fund set up, like an HMO with lawyers if the need arises. But it hasnt

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Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.
Exactly.

Very true! I am a new grad, but definitely carry it for my own protection via NSO for $48 (as a new grad only...then around $100 after first year). After seeing how attorneys can eat you up and spit you out, I don't want to take any chances. And yes, they look out for #1...not us at the end of the day ;)

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