Should A Nurse Get Malpractice Insurance?

As a practicing nurse, should you have malpractice insurance? In these times, expect that most nurses have it. Especially, if you are an independent contractor or work for a health care pvoder who does not insure individually named nurses. That's not to say you wouldn't be covered under a policy even if you are not named as an individual insured. It's just extra protection; protection you would want in the event you get sued.

There are many companies who provide this type of insurance, the key is getting the most highly rated on ewith the most coverage for your premium. The worst case would be to have paid the premium throughout the years and not have coverage when you need it.

The amount of coverage will vary depending upon the type of policy and the liability risk. Consider occurrence-base policies first. If it's still not affordable, then look at claims-made policies. Either way, if you get sued, you'll be glad you have some coverage if for no other reason than your comfort level.

Review Photographs & Diary Notes When Reviewing Medical Records

In your review of the medical records, be sure you ask to see any photographs depicting the alleged injuries or diary notes of it, as well. Remember the old saying that a picture tells a thousand words?

It's often much easier to understand something that you've seen as well as read.

So, be sure to ask the attorney if there are photos you can review.

Diary notes of potential plaintiffs, family members or friends often shed insight into a case. Whether they are accurate or not should become clear as you read them. Be sure you ask for them. You'd be surprised how many write, or type, notes, emails, blogs, texts or tweets about their experiences. These could all prove helpful to you in your review of the case.

You must ask for these photographs and notes, or you might be given them.

Q & A with Elizabeth Rudolph, President, Jurex Center for Legal Nurse Consulting

I just answered a telephone call from a very nice nurse who inquired about the Professional Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Course that's upcoming in Atlanta on March 26 & 27. Her question is one that others may have.



Q: Hi. I've been a nurse for three years and just became a Nurse Practitioner. Would I be a good fit with being a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant?



A: Yes, you would bring to the table another aspect of nursing. Being a nurse is essential, but you also have still another knowledge base. While additional degrees are not required to be a successful PLNC, it could enhance your abilities. Combining nursing and the law is a beautiful blend and one that is a must in today's lawsuit-prone society.



Thank you for this question and keep your questions flowing.

Your Professional Legal Nurse Consultant Marketing Materials Are Key: Getting Attorneys Attention

How you present yourself in your marketing materials is key to opening doors. Is your brochure easy-to-read yet colorful enough to entice attorneys to open it? Does your business card reflect the PLNC services you offer? Is your letterhead pleasing to the eye? Consider these suggestions:

1. Trifold brochure colorful and interesting: Your brochure should be no larger than a trifold on 8 1/2 x 11 size stock. Make it colorful, yet simple to read. Be absolutely sure you include all your contact information. You never know how an attorney will want to contact you.

2. Use both sides of your business card: If you have a logo, include it. List your PLNC services on the reverse side in bullet points or include something of interest on that side. Your goal - for attorneys to keep your business card.

3. Letterhead and envelopes match: You want brand recognition. Use the same font on your letterhead and envelopes. Careful on your color selection so that the text is readable.

Lots to think about, but easy to accomplish. Get the Jurex Marketing Pack and let us do the work for you. The Jurex Marketing Pack includes:

250 Color Brochures
250 Sheets of Letterhead
250 Envelopes
500 Business Cards

Marketing yourself is fun. Especially, when you have the marketing materials to back you up.

New Years Resolution Number One - Become a Successful Professional Legal Nurse Consultant

What does it take to become a successful Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC)? A little determination, some drive and a few tools. We'll help you with these.

Let's start with determination. Make this the time you get your career in gear. Not PLNC certified yet? Then get certified. No excuses. There are four ways to get certified as a PLNC: Live Course, Video Course, Audio Course or E-Course. And, there are four live Spring 2011 courses - Atlanta, Nashville, Cincinnati and Chicago. Already PLNC certified? Register for the Unlimited Mentoring Program where you can get help with your questions.

Put some drive into the equation. Do something. Get a 2011 calendar and write down/enter what you're going to do first. For example, if your'e already PLNC certified, you're going to post your Profile Listing on the Jurex Expert Directory. Not PLNC certified, you're going to register for a live course and get $50 off for early registration, PLUS until Jan. 15 we are giving a New Year's discount of an additional $20 off. So, you're saving $70.

A few tools are all you need now. 1. Read, or reread, the PLNC textbook. It's written in an easy-to-understand manner and contains lots of helpful information and tidbits. 2. Take a Jurex e-course. For example, take the e-course "PLNC Practice Basics" or "Practical Technological Solutions". 3. Vow that you're going to do one thing this month to further your Professional Legal Nurse Consultant career.

Go on and take one step. We're here to help you.

Give Yourself A Gift -- of Further Education: Combine Nursing and the Law

While you're going shopping for holiday gifts, give yourself a present. You deserve something, too. What is it? The gift of further education that will open doors previously closed. Any nurse can get certified in two days to be a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC).

Over one weekend, Saturday & Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., you will get the education you need to be a PLNC. (If you're already a PLNC, refer a friend and you will get a present too - $100 off any Jurex product or service with no expiration date.)

Back to you, in two days you will get 15 accredited contact hours and a one year profile listing on the Jurex Expert Directory where attorneys can find you. You will also get a beautiful PLNC certificate that is frameable. Go to www.jurexnurse.com to find out more.

There are four formats to obtain your PLNC certification:

• Live
• Video
• Audio
• E-Course

Spring 2011 PLNC Live Certification Courses:
Atlanta, GA: March 26 & 27
Nashville, TN: April 9 & 10
Cincinnati, OH: April 30 & May 1
Chicago, IL: June 4 & 5

Register NOW and save $50 on any PLNC Live Course!
www.jurexnurse.com

Remember, this gift of education is for you. Happy Holidays from us at Jurex.

Reduce Your Nursing Liability: Ten Ways To Avoid Getting Sued

As a special way of helping you reduce your nursing liability exposure, during this Thanksgiving season we have discounted our newest book Ten Ways To Avoid Getting Sued: What Every Nurse Needs To Know. (Reg. $9.95 now $7.95 until Thanksgiving only. Use coupon code: Thanksgiving 2010). A must-read short book. Only 47 pages.

Here are three bullet points excerpted from Ten Ways To Avoid Getting Sued: What Every Nurse Needs To Know book:

1. Be Nice To All Patients: First and foremost remember this: Patients who like you tend not to sue you. This means to be nice to the patients, even if you don't like them. It is, after all, up to the patient to decide whether or not to sue you.

2. Leave A Paper Trail: One of the most vital components of good nursing care is proper documentation. This practice of thoroughly and completely recoding each interaction with your patients is made even more important when you consider the possibility of legal action against you.

3. Follow The Standard of Care: As a nurse, you know that knowing and following the prescribed standard of care is essential to being a good and safe health care provider. But additionally, following the rules, regulations and guidelines set forth will help reduce the likelihood of getting sued.

This book makes a wonderful gift for any nurse. Take advantage of the ten tools contained in the book and be sure to help other nurses during this time of Thanksgiving.