Malpractice Insurance

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What are your thoughts on ? Even if covered under your employer, do you still carry your own?

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Absolutely. The employer's insurance looks out for the organization. Your insurance ... looks out for you.

This is not saying that your employer is evil, or out to screw you over ... just logical sense that you need to take care of yourself.

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.

Simple..

GET SOME!

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I was always told not to get my own policy, since people can't take what isn't there (and I have no assets- lol), unless I worked for myself....

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
I was always told not to get my own policy, since people can't take what isn't there (and I have no assets- lol), unless I worked for myself....

Not having a lot of money or assets won't keep someone from suing you. But not having any protection can ruin your financial situation further. Just in legal fees alone.

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I've been sued- and it was hell. But there was nothing they could get (maybe my card table - LOL)....they also sued the administrator, DON, and weekend day nurse (this from a granddaughter that never made a peep until granny was dead from renal failure that the rest of the family had decided to not pursue with dialysis....it was settled- I was ready for court). :(

Since all was conducted within the facility policies, the company took care of the legal bills.

It was more emotionally draining than any insurance could take care of- but if people want to get it, it's not going to do damage- just give the complaintant more money. :)

It's not going to hurt to have it- just saying what I had been told from day one :)

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.

I think it's a lot of peace of mind for a little bit of money. Most policies are not too expensive, check them out.

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For me, I don't need it...been disabled for 7 years. I keep my license mostly for my own reasons to not have to say I WAS a nurse... worked to hard to give it away -- plus I've become my own full time jobs !!:lol2:

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.
For me, I don't need it...been disabled for 7 years. I keep my license mostly for my own reasons to not have to say I WAS a nurse... worked to hard to give it away -- plus I've become my own full time jobs !!:lol2:

I hear ya!

I don't carry it anymore either, I do case management and the way I am going I am rapidly becoming my own full time job, too...the trouble is, I can't afford to pay myself!!!;)

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Specializes in LTC.

Dang right I do!!! I get my own lawyer who is working for ME if I need it, knock on wood!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Also, you need to consider legal representation in front of the BON - this is usually covered by your private malpractice. If you are named in a lawsuit and it is settled on your behalf, it WILL BE reported to the BON. Then, when (if) you get contacted for an investigation, you need your OWN attorney. The malpractice coverage from your employer does not cover this aspect of a lawsuit.

Plus, when you appear before the BON, you wan an administrative law attorney, not a malpractice attorney. They are two different types of lawyers.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Also, it is good to have outside of work if you volunteer or help someone out in the neighborhood. I know there are Good Samaritan laws but I've seen them get sued anyway.

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