Legal protection for academic nurse educators

[goingback]

So, this is what I know. Is there any legal protection for nurse educators? I know that Universities are supposed to back faculty, but from stories I hear that is not true. I have heard that if doesn't matter what documentation you have on a student, that if a student tries to sue for being "mistreated, wrongfully graded, or accuses faculty of mistreatment" that the university will never go to court if the student threatens lawsuit--just rather pay student off--cheaper. But what about what is right? Are we letting students get away with things? Also, I understand the University should provide representation for faculty, but do we also need any special teachers insurance? Also, if an educator is ever accused of unjust treatment (especially after disciplining student) does this go on any kind of faculty record? I guess I am so used to feeling protected by my union in the hospital setting, I want to know who protects me in the academic setting as a nurse educator?

[llg, PhD, RN]

Philosophies vary from school to school. Some schools are more anxious to settle a suit out of court than others. Also, some administrations (and individual administrators) are more supportive of their faculty than others. You would have to investigate the specific school to know where they stand on the issues most important to you.

As for insurance -- I would never practice ANY kind of nursing without my own professional Liability Insurance. It's not expensive and gives me a sense of security to know that I have my own coverage. I've done a little teaching for a couple of universities, do staff development in a hospital, and have been a CNS -- always with my own insurance to back me up should my employer not give me the level of support I need. I've never paid more than $150 per year for the coverage and consider it money well spent.

[noreenl]

NSO ha a rider policy for educators I paid $25 last year and i am due in March to renew I will update whenn the bill comes!!!LOL

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Unions cannot protect you in all circumstances. Usually, if it does not involve your employer you have no union protection. They do not have a contract with the world, just your employer.

I think it is smart to carry malpractice insurance. First, though, I would want some legal guidance as to what your risks may be in your particular job. But even then your insurance cannot cover every imaginable thing someone might conjure up. People can sue for anything. Best to keep documentation FOREVER and have witnesses when possible.

[concernedMD]

Best bet: Carry malpractice and do not violate students' legal rights.