If you are a nurse, you likely take great pride in taking care of your patients and making sure they get the treatment they need. But mistakes do happen, and it's possible that you one day be caught up in a malpractice lawsuit. This is why every nurse should carry malpractice insurance. Here are three reasons why having this coverage can be so important.

1. Your Employer Might Not Cover Everything

Typically, most hospitals will provide their nurses and doctors with legal assistance if something goes wrong within the confines of the hospital. Your employer might even have insurance that it can use to help you with your case. But this coverage might not be enough if you are actually found guilty of malpractice. Having your own separate policy can be helpful just to give you some additional peace of mind.

2. You Might Be Affected Even If You Weren't the Main Doctor

You might also think that as a nurse you are not the person making the direct diagnosis as that is typically the doctor's job. While this is true, this might save you from a malpractice case. When a patient goes after a doctor or hospital, it's likely they will name every person involved in the treatment, and that will likely include the nurses. If you are not carrying malpractice insurance because you don't think it's needed in your line of work, that couldn't be further from the truth.

3. Malpractice Insurance Covers Other Things Too

Most good malpractice insurance policies cover things besides just medical malpractice. A nurse's job is never easy, and things can get hectic if you are dealing with an unruly patient. If you are ever accused of a confidentiality violation, an assault or anything else from a patient that was in your care, your malpractice insurance should offer some protection.

In order to protect themselves, every medical professional should do at least some basic research on local attorneys in their area who can help in the event that a patient steps forward with a malpractice claim. Again, you don't want to just rely on your employer in this situation. Start your research today, so you know who you will hire as your outside counsel if needed. Then, if the day ever comes when malpractice is being discussed, you'll at least feel better knowing you have someone on your side and ready step in.

For more information, contact a company like Letherer Insurance Consultants, Inc.