A question for geriatric nurses...

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Which of the following nutritional assessments are most used in your practice?

Nutritional Screening Initiative

DETERMINE Checklist

Mini Nutritional Assessment

Subjective Global Assessment

The nutritional component of the MDS

I want to discuss these instruments in my nutrition & elderly lecture, but don't want to overwhelm the students with superfluous information.

Thanks so much for your kind assistance :)

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

To be perfectly honest with you, all of the LTCFs where I've ever been employed have used the nutritional component on the MDS or RDS (resident data set). The dietician also performs a nutritional assessment that is separate from the one done by nursing staff.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

For the most part, a staff or floor nurse won't see any of these assessments.

I am most familiar with the MDS only because I have worked as an RNAC and a unit manager that did the MDSs. Now....again...the RD completes these parts in most buildings.

Might be different in your area. You could call a few LTCs to see what they use in thier practices.

[kstec, LPN]

On admission, we copy what the discharging MD wrote and give a copy to dietary. The RD will then meet with the resident and family after looking over the the diagnosis(s). She will then request any changes after that. We as nurses then will contact the MD if down the road any changes need to be made after discussing with the RD. I just wanted to say as a fairly new grad, I'm impressed that you've taken the time to get info for your students as to what would be less overwhelming and more relevant. You sound like a good teacher. I had one, so I appreciate your dedication. Good nursing instructors are worth their weight in gold. Thanks for being a nursing instructor.

[husker_rn, RN]

As an LTC charge nurse I don't see any of the forms you mentioned. I do keep ann eye on intake, weekly weights, and am included in care plan meetings. I also am in the dining room during meals and believe any calories are better than no calories so will push whatever is accepted.

[Thornbird]

I mostly see the MDS form used plus the dietition's assessment. I'm an agency nurse so I get around and this is what I see everywhere that I see any formal nursing assessment of nutrition. Many LTC's just use the dietition's assessment to care plan for nutrition and hydration.