MDS Coordinator salaries

RN 4 Life · Mar 14, 2008

Thank you BRemus - you just gave the exact reason as to why this LTC facility stated they were looking for someone they could 'train' to do MDS paperwork the way they wanted it done - to skip the 'bad habits' that the prior MDS persons brought with them.
Glad you like the job. I know it's 'not for everyone' though.
They have a traveling MDS RN that will come in & give me approx. 3 weeks of training, and I would also take the MDS class/seminars when they come up next.
I have a day & a half to decide if I'd like to accept the position or not. It's a big change from being a floor nurse, so it's not going to be an easy decision.
Tara

I am just wondering whether or not you accepted the position and how things are going so far. I do know of several LPNs who are MDS Coordinators and they are all very very good. They maximize revenue for there facilities and they have no problems because the DON or the ADONs sign the MDS for them. Some people may view this as an inconvienence but I view it as team work! There are many great resources available to you. Please use the experience of those here to help you as you gain experience.

JanM82 · Mar 14, 2008

I too was brand new to MDS when I was hired almost 7 years ago. Prior to me there was not a single person doing the job and frankly it wasn't done correctly. Sure, it took some time to learn the position, I'm still learning every day. But I love my job and everyone else there doesn't have any idea why I do. They all hated it. We're all new at some point.:)

I make $28/hr. I have earned 3 weeks vacation after I stuck it out 5 years. One sick day earned per month.

rukiddingme · Mar 15, 2008

Thanks for asking - Yes, I accepted the job. I started 3/4, but have only had 3 days of actually training. Unfortunately, this place is pretty unorganized. I feel they should've done a better job planning on how & who was going to be there to train me - since there isn't a MDS person at this facility. I've had 2 different ladies to come show me how to do things - and they each do the job their own way, of course.

I've figured out (for the most part) where to find information in this facility - charting/flow sheets, etc - and pretty much have a handle on entering the information into the MDS program.

I was shown the RAP's & Care Plans part of the program the other day, and that confuses me. But, considering I've never had experience with either of them, I shouldn't be surprised!! I'll keep in touch. Tara

Ellen Upton · Apr 2, 2008

Hello to all,

I live and work in Montrose, Colorado and make $30.00 hr during my training period with a raise to come after I learn the job. I am an RN with 17 years experience, but just learning MDS (quite a lot to learn isn't it). I work in a nursing home with approx 80 residents.

Callinurse · Aug 17, 2008

Hello to all,

I just found this forum and hope it is still active with MDS Coordinators. I live in Southern California, I have been doing mds for 4 years. I am an LVN and run the program solo. My RN DON signs off on my assessments. I currently make $30.00 an hour. Last week I completed the RAC-CT via AANAC. I will be looking for a few more $$ an hour. Basically you have to sell yourself but don't give empty promises. It can be a trying position because we are in a way the gate keeper of Medicare fraud between the facility and the state. I am an extremely professional person. I don't want to be part of anything that is improper. Some people I have worked with either don't realize what the regs are stating or choose not to realize what the regulation state to work it to the benefit of the facility. I was fired last week and would have been fired the week before but the administrator couldn't find anything to write me up on. The owner of this free standing facility just decided one day she didn't want me there.

So onward and upward. Does anyone know of any positions in Southern California? I live in Riverside county.

I hope this is still an active forum. I had no idea there were forum out there for us.

Callinurse

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Aug 17, 2008

Did you get fired because you wouldn't go along with Medicare fraud? Yikes.

I worked with an MDS nurse once who literally was psychotic. We could all tell if she had forgotten to take her meds. She was rude,condescending, and inappropriate to the other nurses, the patients, and even the doctors. The company put up with her because she could squeeze a nickel out of a penny and knew how to work the system. Was she being fraudulent? I don't know. Was she an asset to the facility in any way other than monetarily? For sure NO.

I guess my point is, if you got fired for not going along with fraud congratulations. The fines are huge; jail time could be involved, and it is your reputation. Although if the DON is signing, it might be her license.

There is always a need for a really good MDS nurse. Call a recruiter. I can give you the name of one if you want to IM me. He's based in California but has clients all over the country.

Good luck.

Callinurse · Aug 18, 2008

The actual reason that I was fired "The owner has a bad taste in her mouth for you". The administrator was given the task to let me go.

I feel it was because I am an independent thinking and not a follower. I appreciate the info for the recruiter. Yes, I will IM you for the info.

They told me that each time an LVN is terminated they have to report it to the board. I know better. They are obligated to report if I did somehting wrong against my residents. (Abuse, etc). I looked this one up on the board website. I told them pretty loud in the hallway: If you feel you need to report me do it, I feel that I have been terminated unfairly. I was offered the chance to resigned but blew it off. (They wish!)

I have had a few positions that I am interested in. I no longer want to work at a independently owened facility. I want my next position to be the one I retire from. I just wish those I work with give as much as I do but for the right reason.

Callinurse:nurse:

BEDPAN76 · Aug 18, 2008

My Dear Calli, I'm so sorry. It never fails to amaze me how people like that "owner" can get away with that crap. Please go to unemployment office--even if you just collect for a couple of weeks. My thoughts are with you and I'm sure you will find another job soon. Please keep us posted. :smokin:

Callinurse · Aug 18, 2008

YES, I did the unemployment papers already. I spoke to the Administrator and she said she is not going to answer the claim which means I will get it under default, Its far from my usually wage. I have one position that i am interested in but its taking forever and a day to get an interview.

So, until then I will try to make the best of it. I have been the sole support for my family since 1990 when my husband had a motorcycle accident. So if anyone hears of any open or soon to open MDS Coordinator positions in southern California please let me know.

Callinurse

browngirl89148 · Sep 2, 2008

:loveya:I am working as an MDS coordinator and a resident care manager in Vegas. As an LPN I am making over $25.00 an hour. I have learned this is a very detailed position and I am enjoying every minute of it.

achot chavi · Sep 2, 2008

The actual reason that I was fired "The owner has a bad taste in her mouth for you". The administrator was given the task to let me go.
I feel it was because I am an independent thinking and not a follower. I appreciate the info for the recruiter. Yes, I will IM you for the info.
They told me that each time an LVN is terminated they have to report it to the board. I know better. They are obligated to report if I did somehting wrong against my residents. (Abuse, etc). I looked this one up on the board website. I told them pretty loud in the hallway: If you feel you need to report me do it, I feel that I have been terminated unfairly. I was offered the chance to resigned but blew it off. (They wish!)
I have had a few positions that I am interested in. I no longer want to work at a independently owened facility. I want my next position to be the one I retire from. I just wish those I work with give as much as I do but for the right reason.
Callinurse:nurse:

Get in line- I worked for 7 years my b--t off for a privately owned facility. Was very respected for my efficient work and skills and the patients and families loved me- they knew I took their requests seriously and could be depended upon. I was not terminated but told that for financial reasons they have to give me a cut in salary that they were not instituting across the board- " just for me because they thought I didn't need the money"(my husband -gasp- works for a living).

In meetings with them I pointed out that other (less dedicated and productive) nurses (who were sole supporters of their families) were not having their salaries cut - I was told that "maybe we don't like the color of your hair" .

I was so hurt after all my hard work for them. Of course I left- and we are still in court over the matter. The DON to her credit gave me a beautiful letter of recommendation full of praise ( not the read- between- the- lines letter) and admitted in court that her facility lied to me... I was so humiliated but in a couple of months I found a much better job- as ADON of a bigger and (more importantly)- PUBLICLY_OWNED facility. I am so much happier.:wink2:

SOMETIMES G_D TAKES THE DICE AND THROWS 'EM- I hope you come up with better numbers than you had- you deserve it

Callinurse · Sep 2, 2008

What nerve they had Achot Chavi !

They really wanted you to leave.

Well, I have good news! I started a new position last Friday. They were even nice enough to give me the 3 day weekend. I am earning 3 dollars more an hour. It is a very professional setting but not stuffy. They are friendly and people smile.

So, onward and upward for me. The 3 dollars more an hour will help me catch up in my bills. I feel so bad for the kids. I haven't been able to do any school clothes shopping. Its a good thing no one had any growing spurts.

Thank you for your response,

Callinurse