malpractice insurance

[Chris0114]

Hello, I am thinking of changing careers and going to nursing school. One thing I want to take into account before I do this is insurance. I hear and read so much about doctors and malpractice suits anymore. Is this a big issue with nurses? Do you have to carry your own malpractice insurance and can you be personally liable if something goes wrong with a patient? This is one point that has me concerned enough to second-guess my decision before I even get started. I'm not trying to be negative - just want my eyes wide open to everything in advance so that I can make an informed decision. Thanks very much!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

The story about the nurses getting fired for practicing medicine without a license and being reported to the state board shows that the institution isn't interesting in defending you, but rather themselves.

Although the institution says don't worry about insurance, it is recommended that nurses get their own.

[Chris0114]

Thanks for the reply. Is it expensive to get your own?

[sjoe]

My malpractice insurance costs less than $100/year for $1M/$6M worth of coverage. Unless one is a CRNA or midwife or some other legally risky specialty, this is no big problem. Check out the http://www.nso.com website for more information.