Well aren't you a little joiner?

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Specializes in Oncology.

Degree.... check

License.....check

First Job..... check

Now what do I need? ? Membership in the ANA (healthcare politics is a passion of mine.)? Local nursing association??

Tell me what to join. :) I want to be involved in my chosen profession.

Advice?

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Specializes in Case Management, ICU, Telemetry.

There are TONS of organizations you can join. I joined the CCNA when I first graduated and got a journal every month with really good information. I also joined the ANA and will not be renewing with them because I disagree with a lot of their political interests. I also joined Sigma Theta Tau and will not be renewing with them either because I did not find any benefit to membership. If you are interested in a particular field then join the organization for that field.

Malpractice insurance: usually you are covered by your facility if you are within their policies and procedures. Some people say that if you get you are more likely to be sued than if you do not. It is personal choice I think.

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Specializes in Oncology.

Without starting a political debate (you won't get any rebuttals from me, at least) can you give an example or two of the policies that turned you off?

IE They are anti-Obamacare and you are pro... whatever.... just say... "they lobby against obamacare." save me some time, maybe?

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Malpractice insurance: usually you are covered by your facility if you are within their policies and procedures. Some people say that if you get you are more likely to be sued than if you do not. It is personal choice I think.

This is NOT true. Your employer, their insurance and their lawyers will not back you. You really need to have your own insurance. It is not very expensive, and can provide you with so much protection.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Malpractice insurance is a must. A facility will only look out for you as long as it's in their own best interests. Should your best interests be different from their best interests, guess who's getting dropped like a hot potato?

And FYI: not having doesn't mean you won't be sued, because you as the uninsured nurse still have plenty of assets that can be gone after in a lawsuit.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

NUMERO UNO - your own policy!!! MessyMomma said it well. Protect yourself because NOBODY else will (least of all your employer).

Take some time on nursing organizations until you seem to have found a niche or specialty you care for. Then join but be selective..

I stopped ANA a long time ago; I continue Sigma. If your do join something, try to attend local chapter meetings/activities. That way membership seem to be worth it. It'll be educational & invaluable for the networking. And it may come in handy for a resume if it's applicable for the specialty you wish to be in.

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Specializes in Oncology.

Ok... where do you all go for malpractice?

Thanks for all of the advice, friends, you have been most helpful.

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Specializes in Oncology.

Does a personal umbrella policy cover in a malpractice suit? I am thinking not... maybe I should ask my agent... hmmm

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Specializes in retired LTC.

NSO is the carrier that many, many nurses use. Costs about $100 or so yearly and they can help you for related professional issues.

Just go for the separate carrier. It's like that's all they do so that should be considered their specialty. Like would you choose your flood or life insurance carriers first? I've been NSO since graduation in the Dark Ages.

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Specializes in Oncology.

Ok, that is where I just generated my quote from... even the most expensive, with my "new nurse discount" is 55 a year... stupid not to!!

Thanks for you help!!!

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