[busy-bee]

Hey, wanted to let ya know I was hired for the job. I am presently just going to work PRN staff nurse until a full time day shift position becomes available. Once I am full time, they will more than likely start training me for MDS. Currently the facility is waiting for EDS to come, and doesn't have time to train anyone. The facility is capable of 160 residents, with 112 bed filled currently. They currently only have one MDS cordinator, for they moved from a 75 bed facility to this brand new 160 bed facility. ADON states no one but myself is interested in the job with MDS. She states, lets get your foot in the door and go from there....sounds very promising. Now, what can I do between now and then to get familiar with MDS. Please help in any way possible. I can't afford the seminar...it's over $400.00.

[Talino]

Originally Posted by busy-bee

Now, what can I do between now and then to get familiar with MDS. Please help in any way possible. I can't afford the seminar...it's over $400.00.

Without basic knowledge of the MDS, no seminar or online training can make you a bonafide MDS coordinator, no matter what fancy certifcation they award you after completion.

Get involved in completing the MDS assessment while in this facility. Befriend the current MDS coordinator. Ask questions. Borrow the MDS manual and read it in your spare time. Focus on Chapter 3. As you move on, read the requirements in Chapter 2. Join a free discussion group online.

Once you have a knack for it, the manual will practically provide you all the things you will need to know. Then you can decide if that seminar will still be necessary.

Be patient. It can be learned!

Good luck!

[cotjockey]

My corporate supervisor doesn't recommend that you take any certification courses until you have a few months under your belt. She says they are much easier once you've done a few and a lot of people without experience really struggle. I don't know if that is true or if they just didn't want to dish out the $400 this year but...

Congratulations!