Professional Liability Insurance for Nurses

As a recovery mentor, peer advisor, and consulant, I frequently come in contact with nurses who rely solely on their employer for malpractice/liability insurance. I have to confess, I did the same thing for most of my time as an emergency room nurse and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). This makes no sense professionally.

An insurance company and the attorneys they provide if there is a claim have the interest of their client(s) first and foremost. If in the process of dealing with the claim it is in the best interest of the employer to hang the nurse out to dry, then that's what's going to happen. Then, the nurse will need to hire their own attorney and pay for them OUT OF POCKET, since the insurance they relied on covers the hospital, not them.

Professional liability insurance (which should include a license defense clause!) for nurses is extremely reasonable. The claim that "it's too expensive" is lame at best. The American Nurses Association (ANA) states ont their web site; "A must have for every nurse. Protect your career by purchasing your own coverage at a reasonable price. Every nurse today should carry their own professional liability insurance to protect themselves from the costs of legal and board of nursing action -- even if they are covered by their employer."

So why is it most nurses DON'T have their own insurance, and don't seem to understand the importance of having this insurance? Read the opinion of a nurse who is also a license defense attorney.

What do you think?