Should I take this job? ...

Questions you should ask........will you have support? Is there anyone else in the building that knows how to do assessments if you get in a bind or (God forbid) you want to take a day off or maybe even a vacation??? Is your administrator supportive or is it the......."It's your job you need to do it attitude?" Is the DON a good DON and make nursing do what they need to do? What is their CMI? What did they get on their last EDS audit? Yes, sorry to say it probably means that you are salary so expect to work twice as much and earn anywhere from $7 -$10 hours less that what they tell you you will make if you base the hours you work against your actual salary, oh if I had to do it all over again!!!

Well, I'm sure that there are some people working at that facility that could ( if you were able to ask) give you some insight into the management, if things run smoothly, what type of hours the previous MDS person worked, etc. How about the LPN that will be assisting you? Did you talk to her? Was she knowledgeable on the whole process? Was she confident & motivated? Since you will have to be working with her, getting along with her will be important also.
The company I resigned from had problems that I wasn't able to see when I first started, because they don't want you to see that part -- but after they 'get' you, it will all come to light. And I am also new to this town, so I didn't know the Administrator had a 'bad reputation'. Before I left, I had enough of hearing her talk down to other people like she was some God . Best of Luck to you & your decision. Tara

Yes, I agree with Tara........find out the history of the previous MDS person. I found out too late that the last MDS was single with no kids and would work all day until 11-12 at night and still left because she could not keep up. I am working 10 -12 hr days, take work home with me and I am behind. I have asked for help for months but am getting nowhere with that. The administrator and DON know nothing about my job other than it brings in the revenue. I say that is pretty big and they should be more supportive. So with all this said, if you get in the right place with the right people it can be very satisfying. If not it is totally frustrating. Good luck to you!!