What is the average MDS coordinator to Resident ratio?

Specialties MDS

Published

I am currently the "back-up" MDS coordinator (I do the MDS when the full-time coordinator is on vacation) at a 77-bed facility with only one full-time MDS coordinator. Well, the full-time coordinator retired and I interviewed for the position and I was told at the interview that I did not have enough experience or never received the proper training. I can agree with that because I only received about 2-3 days of on-the-job training AND I have only "backed-up" (done the actual job) for a grand total of 5 days in the past 1-1/2 years.

The facility has not been able to hire an experienced replacement and now I am being forced to temporarily cover the position until they can hire someone. I have received another 3 days of training with a coordinator from another building, but I do not feel that I will be able to complete all of the job responsibilities within 40 hours per week (this is an hourly position) as the sole MDS coordinator at this facility. I would have to do all of the assessments (PPS and OBRA), care plans, attend meetings, do certs, keep up with therapy, etc.

My question -- what is a "normal workload" for an MDS coordinator? Is having to do everything on 70+ residents about average for one MDS coordinator to complete in 40 hours per week?

Thank you in advance for your responses. Any insight or information will be helpful.

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Specializes in corrections and LTC.

A lot of it depends on how many Medicare residents you have. I would estimate the job would take 40-60 hours per week, so one and a half nurses. How many hours per week did the last MDS Coordinator put in? I bet it was a lot more than 40!

So, you aren't good enough for the job but are good enough to fill in? My guess is they will want you to do some facility orientation for the nurse they hire. Too bad they don't send you to a class to get certified and give you the job.

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We have 7 Medicare and 4 managed that need PPSs submitted. The former Coordinator was only supposed to be working 40 hours, but I think she was working off-the-clock to keep up with the load.

If I had another job lined up, I'd hand in my notice (or just quit without notice)!

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Specializes in MDS.

We average 100-103 residents and I'm the only MDS person

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Specializes in MR, and GERIATRICS.

I work at a 50 bed facility where we average 7-12 skilled, I am responsible for both PPS/OBRA and work 40hrs a week. I also help out on the floor, attend daily mtg, care plan meetings, etc. We are not allowed to work over time and I will not work off the clock. So how do I manage???? Lots of determination to do a good job! I have had 1 missed/late assessment in 3 yrs and minimal modifications d/t other departments. I have been in my position for over 7 years and love it.

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I'm responsible for 48 beds and my partner for 51. We also assist with covering the floor if needed. We have a mix of long term, Med A and insurances going at this time. I usually don't have to work too many extra hours but this week, we are slammed.. I've averages atleast 2-3hrs extra. We aren't yelled at for extra time, our bosses want compliance

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