4 Risks Nurses Face Amid Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As the coronavirus spreads and nurses are tasked with caring for an influx of patients, the Nurses Service Organization risk management team has identified four specific risks/tips nurses should keep in mind to protect themselves. Download the infographic here.

1. KEEP PATIENT INFORMATION PROTECTED

  • Prioritize patients’ right to confidentiality by abstaining from sharing photos, comments, or details that have the potential to identify patients on social media or in casual conversations.
  • Breaching patient confidentiality can lead to legal action or complaints filed with the state board of nursing.

2. PRIORITIZE SAFETY

  • Patients and their family members may become anxious or confrontational when updated visitor restrictions are put in place due to infection prevention measures.
  • Nurses need to be familiar with their facilities’ de-escalation, workplace violence and safety protocols to safely and effectively manage situations. Report any situation or incident that make you feel uncomfortable.

3. KNOW YOUR SCOPE OF PRACTICE

  • During this public health crisis, nurses are at the forefront to treat, educate and prevent the spread of COVID-19. While this crisis is rapidly evolving, nurses may be given patient assignments outside of their accustomed practice areas and locations.
  • When confronted with a situation which exceeds the scope, skills or knowledge required to care for patients, nurses should develop and implement proactive strategies to alleviate unsafe patient assignments.

4. USE TELEMEDICINE CAUTIOUSLY

  • Telemedicine allows nursing professionals to efficiently and conveniently care for patients, yet it can open nurses up to new liability exposures.
  • Practice in accordance with the standard of care, the limits of one’s license, and all regulations and ethical guidelines. Nurses providing telehealth must adhere to the same practice standards they follow when providing traditional in-person treatment and care.

 

These are trying times for everyone in the healthcare industry.
From our team to yours – thank you and stay safe.
 
This information has been provided as an informational resource for Aon clients and business partners. It is intended to provide general guidance on potential exposures, and is not intended to provide medical advice or address medical concerns or specific risk circumstances. Due to the dynamic nature of infectious diseases, Aon cannot be held liable for the guidance provided. We strongly encourage visitors to seek additional safety, medical and epidemiologic information from credible sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization. As regards insurance coverage questions, whether coverage applies or a policy will respond to any risk or circumstance is subject to the specific terms and conditions of the policies and contracts at issue and underwriter determinations.
Topics:

#Risk #Risk Management #Safety

Share this article:

   

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions. We have answers. (It's why we're here.)



What kinds of activities might trigger a disciplinary action by a licensing board or regulatory agency? 

The fact is anyone can file a complaint against you with the state board for any reason—even your own employer—and it doesn’t have to be solely connected to your professional duties. All complaints need to be taken seriously, no matter how trivial or unfounded they may appear. 


How does a shared limit policy work?

A shared limit policy is issued in the name of your professional business or company. The policy provides professional liability insurance coverage for the business entity named on the certificate of insurance and any of the employees of the business entity, provided they are a ratable profession within our program. Coverage is also provided for locum tenens professionals with whom the business entity has contracted for services the locum tenens performs for the business entity.

The business, and all eligible employees and sub-contractors you regularly employ, will be considered when determining your practice’s premium calculation and share the same coverage limits you select for the business.


We have a shared limit policy. Are employees covered if they practice outside our office?

The policy covers your employees outside the office as long as they are performing covered professional services on behalf of your business.

If your employees are moonlighting, either for pay or as a volunteer, they should carry an individual professional liability insurance policy to cover those services. Otherwise, they might not be covered for claims that arise out of these activities.



There are plenty more where those came from.


See more FAQs

More learning right here

Check out these related articles.



A Solution to Sitters That Won’t Fall Short

Patient falls continue to be a leading cause of preventable injury in U.S. hospitals1.

Cybersecurity: Protect Patients by Preventing Data Breaches

Healthcare INBRIEF®
A Risk Management Bulletin for Allied Healthcare Facilities | 2023 Issue 1

10 Surprising Facts from the Nurses Malpractice Claim Report

As a nursing professional, what do you consider to be the greatest risk to your career? In the Nurses Claim Report, NSO and CNA review and analyze malpractice and licensing claims to help nursing professionals understand your areas of greatest vulnerability. Armed with the knowledge gained from the Report, nurses can reduce their risks of potential litigation and take steps to help improve patient outcomes.

5 Most Commonly Questions About Malpractice Coverage

Everyone who has insurance also has questions about their insurance. Don’t worry—we’re here to answer any questions you have.