volunteer vs paid status as camp nurse

[jrbl77, RN]

I have worked at a church based summer camp for the past few years. The camp would prefer that you work as a volunteer rather than as a payed staff member. I have worked in both situations. I was wondering about the liability of working as a volunteer in the camp setting. If something where to happen, would I be covered by the camp's liability policy or left to defend myself? I do carry my own Liability Insurance. What is the best approach to take when put in the volunteer situation?

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

I have never worked as a volunteer at camp. However I have worked at a free clinic and as an EMT. To my understanding no matter your status as paid or volunteer you are viewed as an employee for insurance and liability purposes. When I was injured volunteering it was treated as any other workman comp case. You should expect all the support you would recieve from an employer should litigation occur. Such is help until it no longer supports their interest or until you under the bus benefits them more than you beside them.

[CloudySue]

You should expect all the support you would recieve from an employer should litigation occur. Such is help until it no longer supports their interest or until you under the bus benefits them more than you beside them.

Which is why I ALWAYS carry my own insurance. I don't trust any employer to do the "right thing".

[CampNurse1]

Carry your own Liability Insurance. Even if the camp is sincere, the attorney representing the camp may find himself in a conflict of interest. It could come down to choosing to throw the nurse or the camp under the bus. Not all attorneys will tell you they have a conflict of interest.