Old LPN new to MDS

[PANurse1981]

I've seen a number of older posts re: MDS but I'd like to get the most updated information.

I've been an LPN for almost 30 years, the last 10 in LTC. I am looking at a job opportunity for an MDS LPN at a local facility.

I am slightly familiar with MDS' from working as a charge nurse on the nursing units and completing work sheets given us by the MDS staff.

What type of training would I be looking at to consider this position? I am questioning if I'd even be qualified to do it but am looking for a different type of nursing and nursing in all I know!

If I apply for the position and get an interview, what types of questions should I be asking? What information should I familiarize myself with? Having been a bedside nurse for so long, even thinking of this type of position is taking me out of my comfort zone but I am looking for a change, to improve myself, and still contribute to the residents welfare. I'm ot looking for less stress, just something different.

Any and all comments, whether positive or negative, will be most welcome!

[montecarlo64, ASN, BSN, LPN]

It is very stressful because it is very tedious work. I compare to filing a tax form...where I look for extra deductions/exemptions. The facility's reimbursement is dependent upon each assessment, and each assessment must be coded accurately to avoid fraud. With your experience, I am sure you can do the job; however, an RN must sign the assessment. So, most places prefer to have an RN for the coordinator. I would go online to view an MDS 3.0 version and these are the questions I would ask at the interview: How many medicare residents? Are there a high number of admissions and discharges for medicare residents? How many total residents in the building(all payor sources)? Are there other duties such as quarterly assessments, restorative nursing, on call duties which you will be responsible? If this facility has a high (more than 15 or 20 medicare residents or more than 70 total residents), there should be more than 1 MDS coordinator. I hope this helps and good luck to you:)