Getting started as MDS nurse

Specialties MDS

Published

Hello..new, novice, to this site..old nurse...need advice:

Just been offered a job to start as MDS nurse ..have never been exposed to even the source for training materials on this...Have had TILE classes.

What and where are resources (free) that I could go over in next few days to see what this job would really entail?

All I can say is I know what MDS means..that's it.

Talked to an old DON of mine who said she had been trying to get a position like this for two years and that I should jump at it .. Told her considering it..a real challenge from knowing nothing to finding out what it means.

Anybody out there can give advice or refer to sites?

Specializes in psychiatric, UR analyst, fraud, DME,MedB.
Carrie162 said:
I have been an MDS/PPS coordinator for two years. I would ask, before you accept the position, what kind of training will you receive? Especially considering you are new to MDS. I would ask, are you responsible for LTC assessments, such as the quarterly and comprehensive assessments, or are you also responsible for the PPS assessments, the 5day, 14-day, 30-day etc? How many beds in the facility? IF it is a large facility and you do both LTC and Medicare/PPS, that is a lot of work. Do the floor nurses and unit managers participate in any sections of the long term care MDS? Who is your resource person if you have questions? And does this facility have a good survey history with MDS or are you going to be responsible to clean up if there have been scheduling problems?

Very good points there...... Yes some of this owners wants to pay only one for a two position....this makes it an impossible task. Like everything else it is nice where you are getting into, then make the decision. Good luck!:smokin:

Specializes in i.v cert., ltc, hospital, dialysis.

what is a tile class?

Personally I don't think any of the classes will help because you need to expose yourself to the assessments and learn through trial and error. I was supposed to attend the certification class but I had to go out of town for a wedding. I have been in MDS for 6 months now and I think you should memorize the sections of the assessments so that it is easier for you to understand what type of information you will be looking for. I hope that helped?

Thank you so much for the reply as it is old.....I am still very interested in doing MDS..I have worked in LTC for 10 years..have completed the Restorative section of MDS when I was Restorative nurse. I have taught the entire staff about using the Kiosk to enter their data for the MDS. I have sat in on the weekly meetings to discuss the data that would be used for the MDS..so I am very familiar with the system. The big problem is....no one is hiring in my area, or the ones that are I would not set foot into. Probably the most challenging issue is everyone who needs a MDS nurse wants at least 2-3 years experience. So, you can see my frustration. Again, thank you for the response :wink2:

Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..

Is there a normal/reasonable case load for FT? I am interviewing TOMORROW for a similar position, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I have been wanting to do this for about 5 years but they've always required experience.

As an experienced lpn, i have been getting sick too often, and even a stroke, i would like to know the certificates as an lpn i could acquire, medical coding, mds coordinator, wound care, that i know of would have been less stressfull, i am willing to learn. I live in florida state, in the south.

parislpn said:
i am a lpn with 3 yrs mds experience, i just became certified, and now am the case manager for in the building i work, actually i am the only lpn casemanager in the company, i do the job well and even better than some of the rn casemanagers i just don't get paid for it, i am now in school for my rn, but anyone can do mds but you just have to be very organised and pay attention to details to do the job, also you don't start out knowing everything, you learn new things everyday, and always refer back to the rai manual, it should be your bible to mds always have it in you position, you cannot go wrong with it, and my pay is 24.00/hr and about to get a raise for being certified.:yeah:

where did you get certified, 3 days seminar or online? I don't mind the cost, i'm an lpn experienced of 7 years, i'd like to try mds.

aanac

Hve been using my own interview form for the interview for my MDS. Any one have a simple form? the one I'm using is cumbersome and would like to streamline.

Specializes in home health, LTC.

Lizzy...u need to use the CMS approved one...

So what does a 'typical' day look like for an mds nurse? Is it all desk work, or a mix of desk and patient interaction?

Thanks - I am curious. Someone began talking to me about the other day, and it sounds like it might be interesting.

Hello! I'm new to the site. I would like to be certified as an LPN. I'm in Orange County, CA. Debating between AANAC and NRAI. Any suggestions?Thank you!

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