Hello,

I wonder if anyone new of any training classes for MDS in the New England area. I am working part-time in a Long Term care facility and I am very interested in learning more. My management is very well willing to train, but I would like to find out more on my own. Any help would be great!

'ever tried learning how to ride a bicycle in a day and not having to ride one again in a couple of weeks?

On-the-job hands-on MDS training is highly recommended. Since you only work part-time, familiarize yourself with the basics of the MDS assessments first. Without it, no training seminars will afford a candid knowledge of the MDS in one session.

Take your employer's offer for a start, then brush up on your skills later on with seminars if you choose.

If you do prefer to do it on your own first, try this site...

http://www.thenih.org/seminars_long_term_care.html

... check on seminars on the left, then choose your state. They usually give out MDS related seminars. Or you can call the 800 number below the page.

AANAC (American Assn. of Nurse Assm't Coordinators) gives on-line training (more $$$ if non-member)

http://www.aanac.org/education/courses.asp

Good Luck! The position requires extensive knowledge but a very worthy asset and the salary range? -->

Thanks so much.. I am definately going to take advantage of my emloyers training!

Hi,

I have to agree with the earlier reply....nothing beats hands on with MDS. I recently applied and received a position in MDS. I started hands on and then went to my first beginner seminar. The seminar was interesting and very informative but I have learned much more, faster working with the other MDS nurse and retiring coordinator. I've learned enough I'm inline for her position when it comes open in 2 weeks Wish me luck!!!

Nursenan

Good Luck NursenanO!!! What type of nursing did you previously do and how long? If you don't mind me asking!

I dont mind at all :) I have worked in long term care since I was 17 in one position or another...as afloor nurse, charge nurse,an STNA, a cook, and dietary supervisor. So all together thats about 17 years. I have tried a few other fields, like...ER, and Home Health. LTC is my calling. I love it!!! What fields have you worked in and for how long if you dont mind sharing?

Nursenan

I don't mind at all either. And thank you for sharing. I am working Med/Surg right now part-time (Just graduated in June ) and I am just starting a part-time position in LTC. I have worked LTC as a CNA prior to graduating and enjoy LTC very much. My DON asked if I would be interested in learning MDS and I have to say that greatly influenced my decision to take the position. I am not happy at all in MED/SURG...I knew I wouldn't be,but felt I needed the experience.

:kiss If there is an organization there called cahf.. they offer mds classes.. try and find it in the computer and they can give you classes and all..it is one of the best classes out there..good luck.. i started as mds coordinator and am now don...

Hi. MassPro in Massachusetts offers MDS classes. Hate the things myself...pretty mindless stuff. What in the world is an STNA?? We don't have those in the Bay State

long term care is a great area to concentrate in.. there is so much to be learned by the elderly.. mds is really not mindless..you have to know it to enjoy it.. think about it as the financial end of facilities.. without this there is no money..sooo.. it really is qutie important.. don't have a clue as to what stna is!!

Hi..

STNA is a state tested nurses aide...they use to just call them cna's here but now with all the classes and testing that goes with the position the name has changed.

Nursenan

Thanks Mermaid..I will look into it

I just started my position in July, hands on training and self educating. I spent over 4 years in LTC and just couldn't take it anymore....not the residents, the whole lack of staff, support, pay etc. So, I applied at our hospitals skilled nursing unit and was offered the job. I have to say if you like LTC to go for the training. It is a great way to stay in the enviroment you enjoy and to be in a world of your own so to speak. With my position I spend one 10 hour day a week just on mds stuff and then I work 3 10's....8 hours on the floor and 2 hours in the office. I also enjoy this so much because I am not soley responsible for the care planning aspect. We follow the hospital system for that (the admitting nurse initiates and then this is done biweekly by the nurses on your assigned pts which allows us to change/alter as need arises) and then on our 14 days I chart specific to the triggers/rapps. I would take this opportunity, mds coordinators in ltc usually have better pay, better hours, included in adminitrative decisions and such...

I have to say I think I have the best of it now. I have gained a new skill and I haven't lost patient contact. I have also learned that I never want to fully loose the patient contact, but I also never want a stictly desk job.

Good luck