Late days and BIMS, MDS Nurse in a tough spot.

[LTCNS]

I know BIMS have to be dated within the look back period, but what if, when the MDS nurse starts a new job at a new facility, the MDS are two months behind? Would you put dashes in section C to indicate cognitive function was not assessed? I was somewhat hinted at to back date BIMS, but I don't feel comfortable doing that since I didn't interview the residents until I started and actually DID the MDS. Corporate MDS nurse is not happy with me since the BIMS are not dated within the look back period.

The thing is, there was another MDS nurse there but the only MDS that were kept up to date were the eight Part A assessments.

Administrator and DON thought they were being kept up to date. They're not happy at all. Would be a bummer if I am terminated because of late BIMS when I wasn't even there to interview the residents.

ETA: MDS nurses do the BIMS at this facility.

[smilingso]

I'm seriously thinking of offering myself up for the position of MDS With all of your comments, I'm a little leary, however, I would like to know what disciplines everyone is struggling with. Is it the cooperation with management or staff?

[LTCNS, LPN]

I'm seriously thinking of offering myself up for the position of MDS With all of your comments, I'm a little leary, however, I would like to know what disciplines everyone is struggling with. Is it the cooperation with management or staff?

Don't be afraid lol!! If you are working in a good LTC home that can make a big difference. I never had problems, and actually enjoyed the job, until I worked at the LTC in the OP.

Disciplines responsible for completing sections of the MDS are of course the MDS Nurse, dietary manager, social services director and activity director. Sometimes it's hard to get everyone on the same page and to complete their notes on time.

Staff nurses are required to document on skilled residents and residents scheduled for MDS but that doesn't always happen, then you have CNAs who have different ideas as to who requires what level of assistance, so the MDS nurse has to do some investigative work.

The MDS nurse has to interview staff and residents (if the resident is able) and put their eyes on the resident. I like to do range of motion to the arms and legs to check actual limitations for example.

Everything must be documented within the 7 day look back period. Brief Interview for Mental Status can be completed between day one and day seven, but not after day seven or you will be out of compliance and dinged by surveyors and case mix auditors, and MDS progress notes cannot be done after day seven.

If you decide to take on the MDS job, I wish you much success. Like I said, if you're in a good LTC home where you have teamwork and support from management, you should have no problems.

[smilingso]

Thank you, Bronze4! This is helpful. Would you recommend getting certified? And how long does it take for the online course?

[LTCNS, LPN]

Actually I'm not certified and many places don't require it, so it's totally up to you. I will say though that being certified does have its advantages. I'm not 100% sure how long the online course takes. I know a nurse who flew from MS. to New York to get her certification and I think it took three days. There are courses offered in many states so chances are there might be a class scheduled near you soon or in the next few months.

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

The base course in certification is helpful.

It is looking like more and more employers are strongly desiring it and/or being required for MDS nurses.

AANAC membership is something I would recommend.

[RollTide_Nurse]

I am also new to MDS and to a facility that is backed up on MDS. The DON trained me for two days then resigned. I work with a plan that does long term and I do everything else. It seems overwhelming. but I enjoy it.

[LTCNS, LPN]

I am also new to MDS and to a facility that is backed up on MDS. The DON trained me for two days then resigned. I work with a plan that does long term and I do everything else. It seems overwhelming. but I enjoy it.

It's great that you enjoy your new MDS position! Like I said, I enjoyed it until I got into a place where I had no support and it really did a number on me. Besides, I've been a MDS nurse for the majority of 15 years and was probably a bit burned out anyway

Wishing you success and happiness!