Working as RN, licensed as NP: which malpractice insurance type do I need?

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I am a recent NP graduate and plan to help with the COVID effort by giving vaccines until I get an NP job. I got the vaccine RN job through a staffing agency, who has placed me at a large hospital. Neither entity will provide malpractice insurance.

Does anyone know whether I need NP since my highest license is NP? Or is it sufficient to have RN malpractice insurance only since the vaccine job will only entail RN scope of practice? 

The annual premium difference is double: ~$350 for RN coverage only or ~$720 for NP coverage. Also, my intention is to just carry the RN coverage until I get an NP job, when I would cancel the RN insurance and get NP one.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

The conventional wisdom that we are taught as NP's is that we should secure malpractice coverage at the NP level even if our role is that of an RN.  That said, there is more nuance to your situation beyond just following what most people say. 

I feel like your risk is rather low giving vaccines to people who (1) consented to the administration of the vaccine and (2) are in an acute care hospital where there is enough available personnel who can respond in an emergency. 

As long as you're confident with your injection technique and follow standard of care with giving injections, I think you would be fine with an RN liability policy but that's just me.  However, some companies like NSO tend to assess your rate based on your reported credentials.

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Specializes in in primary care pediatrics and NICU.

I work part-time, inpatient RN and as outpatient APRN for last 3 years. I only hold Med Mal for my NP job, not the bedside position. It doesn't make sense as I am not functioning within the scope of practice of an PN in the hospital.  Patients cannot sue for more because I have more licensure. 

The 3 most common reasons NP's get sued are for mis-diagnosis, failure to refer, and inappropriate prescribing - none of which fall under RN role.    Now if your injection results in a SIRVA, maybe? But those are quite rare and avoided through good landmark technique when giving vax.  I 100% agree with Juan De La Cruz above - you only need RN policy. 

Good Luck in your job search and congrats on your new role! 

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Thank you, @juan de la cruz and @Babyboss 19 for your advice! What you said makes complete sense to me. 

I went ahead and got RN , given my situation and I'm starting the job right away. However, if anyone else has experience or advice with this, even it differs from what's already been posted here, please do share. 

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