Malpractice Insurance

I can't really find a whole lot about this subject. I graduate next month and start my first job in January. How does everyone go about finding malpractice insurance and what is the typical costs for such? (knowing that it varies)

[monkeybug]

Google "malpractice insurance for nurses" and several companies will pop up. It is very affordable. I pay around $100 per year, and I've always been in maternal/child nursing which is a high lawsuit area, so my rates may be higher than others. I've had the same company since I graduated. They don't just cover malpractice, but they will also send a lawyer with you if you have to appear before the BON. I've never had to use it (knock on wood) but it's nice to know it's there if I need it.

I use NSO.

[Sun0408, ASN, RN]

I have NSO and it costs about a 100.00 a year also. I've had it since graduation and wont work without it.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Also a Texan. I have mine thru my Liability Insurance company (car/house). Cost is $82/yr for 1 mil in coverage with State Farm

[T-Bird78]

Some low-risk employers will cover you under theirs so you may not even need your own. It's fairly cheap for nurses if you do need it.

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

Even if your facility does insure you as an employee, you still need your own malpractice insurance. The facility's insurance will do everything it can to protect THEM and their best interests. Have your own insurance so that you will have someone fighting to protect YOU and your best interests.

[Sun0408, ASN, RN]

Some low-risk employers will cover you under theirs so you may not even need your own.

Employers are looking out for their own best interest . They will throw you under the bus in a heart beat. Its cheaper to fire the nurse and replace him/her than it is to go to trial. Your own insurance protects you.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Some low-risk employers will cover you under theirs so you may not even need your own. It's fairly cheap for nurses if you do need it.

No, no, no. You always need your own. Never, ever believe an employer that tells you they'll cover you, because their insurance, who will be the one who pays any judgment, will be within their rights to go after you, personally, to recover their loss, and don't think for a minute that the employer can or will stop them from doing it. Also, an employer's attorney will happily throw you under the bus if it will save the employer, no matter what the employer told you, which is why you need your own attorney who has your interests, and only your interests, in mind. Your malpractice insurance will provide that...since they will be paying the judgment if they can't defend you successfully.

My dad was an insurance man who insured a lot of hospitals, and he told me in no uncertain terms never to go "bare," that is, without my own insurance. Mumblemumble years later I have never forgotten, and never failed to renew.

[hgrimmett]

The ANA has a link on their website to apply for professional nursing Liability Insurance (you get a member discount.) It's entirely possible that other nursing organizations have it available too; I know NSNA (for nursing students) does. Maybe something to look into?

[KBICU]

NSO ... Google it

[al586]

Get the insurance. As one of my instructors said, "Never go naked." The yearly costs of insurance costs less than a good pair of shoes, and may save your hindquarters if the worst ever happens.

[texasmum]

Thanks for all the answers! You all just reiterated what I thought. Thanks for the suggestions : )