If you don’t carry your own individual malpractice insurance, I would encourage you to do so. While there are many differing opinions on malpractice insurance, the American Nurses Association (ANA) recommends all nurses and advanced practice nurses carry their own individual policies. Terri Heimann Oppenheimer from nurse.org summarizes it well:
“Nursing malpractice insurance is a type of insurance that provides nurses with protection when a patient (or their personal representative) brings legal action against them. These claims generally allege negligence or omission of appropriate care that leads to some type of injury, loss, or death.
Though we tend to associate malpractice claims with physicians, the truth is that professionals in almost any field can be accused of malpractice, including nurses.
No matter how diligent and meticulous your level of patient care is, you could still be named in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Being the subject of a claim does not mean that you are guilty of whatever the claim states, but defending yourself against a lawsuit is expensive. That’s why you should be aware of the risks and have an understanding of what nursing malpractice insurance is so that you can decide for yourself whether you need it.” https://nurse.org/education/nursing-malpractice-insurance/
Like so many other decisions in life, this is a personal one. Below, you will find articles and opinions on nursing and malpractice insurance. Take some time to read these links or do some research on your own; be informed and make the decision that is right for you.
https://nurse.org/education/nursing-malpractice-insurance/
https://blog.bluepipes.com/should-travel-nurses-purchase-professional-liability-insurance/
https://www.travelnursing.com/news/nurse-news/do-nurses-need-their-own-professional-liability-insurance/
https://www.leaderstat.com/knowledge-base/liability-insurance-as-a-travel-rn
Lalah Landers BSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Supervisor
Clinisight, LLC