Do I need to have malpract. ins.?

I live in Illinois and am a registered nurse working in a hospital setting. I have heard differing opinions on whether or not to carry my own private malpractice insurance. Do you have any advice or suggestions for me?

[racer72]

As advised by a chief nurse at a large public hospital, if you are an employee of the hospital, the hospital has insurance to cover you. But many hospitals today have contract nurses, they are not considered an employee but a contractor. If the hospital deducts taxes and offers you benefits, you are a regular employee. You may wish to add supplemental coverage if the hospital coverage could be lacking. If you are a contract nurse, malpractice insurance is an option but is very expensive.

Thanks for replying. My hospital does provide malpractice insurance for each of their nurses. I am concerned that if a case was brought to court (as I've heard happen in other states) the hospital will only provide so much coverage and that's it. I worry that if that should happen someone could sue my personal assets. However, I have also heard that if I do have my own supplemental malpractice ins. someone would be more LIKELY to sue me for more money. I feel like I get a different answer every time I ask someone. The hospital does not WANT us to have any extra coverage but I don't know what is right for me. I don't want to attract any lawsuits by having my own (and of course hopefully this will never become an issue)malpractice ins. but don't want to be without it if it's something I should have.