Malpractice Insurance

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Just asking for a rough estimate.

Do you all have through your district or did you have to get your own policy? I know many of us have insurance IN ADDITION to their district coverage but was getting your own required for district employment?

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

It's not required by the district but I do purchase "professional" insurance. My policy covers me if I have to defend myself with anything associated with my professional role; not just malpractice of some accusation of medical negligence.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

i'm not sure what my district does to cover me specifically. The union will pay for lawyers to represent me. I absolutely carry my own NSO policy. I trust nobody to have my back.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
i'm not sure what my district does to cover me specifically. The union will pay for lawyers to represent me. I absolutely carry my own NSO policy. I trust nobody to have my back.

Yup. One of the first things my boss told me was that I ought to consider having my own . The district may or may not defend me but between the union and NSO, I feel pretty good. This is not required by the district.

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Eh, there are some things I don't want to come back and bite me. lol

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.

Not required but I did buy my own policy from NSO. I don't know if my district covers me at all.

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So you would refuse something you felt uncomfortable with, even if administration told you to do it?

My position is I do not feel this particular task requires an RN, anybody can do it and I feel that the RN is at particular risk because we have to carry our own insurance.

Is this why the district wants the RN to do it? Sorry but I know when push comes to shove, who gets thrown under the bus.

I know I'm being vague. Sorry.

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Not required and our school has lawyers that would defend me (or the school, but usually what benefits the school would benefit me), but I have my own NSO policy. $100/year is worth it.

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Specializes in School nursing.

My school will not cover me for malpractice - so I pay $109/yearly to NSO.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
So you would refuse something you felt uncomfortable with, even if administration told you to do it?

My position is I do not feel this particular task requires an RN, anybody can do it and I feel that the RN is at particular risk because we have to carry our own insurance.

Is this why the district wants the RN to do it? Sorry but I know when push comes to shove, who gets thrown under the bus.

I know I'm being vague. Sorry.

Like I said, that's why I purchase the type of policy that I have. For instance, a few years ago we had a student in our behavioral unit, adult size, that went off in the cafeteria, throwing chairs and swinging at any kid within arms reach. Cafeteria staff was reluctant to intervene so I took him down in the middle of the cafeteria and restrained him until admin could arrive and we could transport him for de-escalation. This was right in front of several parents visiting their kids for lunch so the stories told were many and varied. If that kid's parent had wanted to sue the school for my physical intervention my defense would have nothing to do with being a RN. Know what I mean?

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
So you would refuse something you felt uncomfortable with, even if administration told you to do it?

My position is I do not feel this particular task requires an RN, anybody can do it and I feel that the RN is at particular risk because we have to carry our own insurance.

Is this why the district wants the RN to do it? Sorry but I know when push comes to shove, who gets thrown under the bus.

I know I'm being vague. Sorry.

Is it within your scope of practice? If not - no brainer. If it is....you could theoretically consult with your malpractice carrier regarding whatever it is they're asking. Although that might be waving a red flag.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Rehab, Telemetry.

Yes, I would advise having your OWN professional insurance. I have 2 different policies to my protection. It covers a lot (board complaints, on the job injuries from combative patients, etc) It is well worth it. Employers need only show that you violated some policy or procedure, founded or unfounded allegations. They WILL NOT PROTECT YOU. False allegations by co-workers is rampart and can up-end your career. I learned that some nurses will lie, set you, and sometimes the managers or administration will be a part of it. Know your rights and scope of practice. Fortunately, I had the financial means to get a lawyer, the corporation sold and we are in court now because I sued em for wrongful termination along with a slew of other issues that were putting patients and staff at risk. The real culprit was diverting meds while under board stipulations, continued to work until she got caught. She should not have been working with the multiple verbal and written complaints against her. Now, the corporation has to deal with State investigations involving deaths, missing meds, etc. Get your own insurance.... now!

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