I have been told by a couple of nurses that I worked with as a PCT to be sure to get my own malpractice insurance once I begin working as an RN. I've thought about it on and off since.
I started working as an RN a month ago, and have had some general nursing orientation days where I just sit in a classroom and listen to staff talk to us about different aspects of working as a nurse in this specific hospital. One of them (a woman from HR, I believe) began her speech by telling us that she always gets questions from new nurses about whether they should get malpractice insurance, and she said, "Don't worry about that. You're covered by the hospital. You don't need to buy your own malpractice insurance."
Some of the nurses in my orientation group seemed skeptical of that.
So I guess I'm wondering what you all think about this? Do you think it's safe/smart to rely on the hospital/organization to cover you if a patient files a complaint? Is there the possibility that the hospital will say, "No, we don't want to cover this particular dispute" for whatever reason? Or am I worrying for nothing?
we were required to have it as students so definitely as a practicing RN. I forget who mine is through right now - but it was the same as I had as a student and they gave me a new grad rate at 50% off the regular rate. I can certainly find something worse to blow $100 a year on!
Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health Nurse.
Do it! I brought my policy through NSO and got a discount for being a new graduate. For about $50 a year it's totally worth it! I know I spend more than that at Starbucks in a given month. I don't really trust my District to cover my behind since parents can be a bit sue happy. However, do not let your guard down just because you are covered! Document, document, document! You cover your own behind, not your policy.
The hospital will throw you under the bus in a heartbeat. They don't like nursing having it because when they do wrong you have a lawyer available to you to protect you. If you are ever accused of a license threatening offense...... the hospital lawyer, especially if it by the hospital itself, will not help you.
I carried insurance for 35 years...never needed it but I was glad it was there. I used NSO.
I think I finally figured out a reason that the HR lady would advise AGAINST your having your own malpractice insurance. Think about it.
In the same conference room, your attorney would be sitting there right alongside of their attorney. Why ever would they want someone there who is as equally savvy as them that could so smooooothly prevent them from lumping all the blame on you???
You could just be the quiet sacrificial lamb for them if your attorney there didn't have your back (to use the phrase). Of course, you could be a little suckling piggy with an apple in your mouth to gag you. And their atty would find a nice big apple for you
I've said this before - you wouldn't drive your car without insurance; you have homeowners' insurance; and you most certainly want health insurance. So why NOT malpractice insurance? You hope you never need them, but they are there just in case.
Good for you for listening to all the wisdom posted here.
Part of national law when the state boards amalgamated into one national board. Part of the joy of living in a socialized country. Because we cannot be penalized for joining a union most people have PII via their union membership.
Twinmom06, ASN, APN
1,171 Posts
we were required to have it as students so definitely as a practicing RN. I forget who mine is through right now - but it was the same as I had as a student and they gave me a new grad rate at 50% off the regular rate. I can certainly find something worse to blow $100 a year on!