Best route to learn MDS

[scomeauRN]

Hi all,

I am a staff nurse in LTC with one year experience and have always been interested in MDS. I know the basics of what an MDS nurse does, but I would need the training. I spoke to one of the MDS nurses at my facility who said they are looking for part-time help and that the facility would train me in-house, but I also spoke with my supervisor (who is a DON at another facility) who said you really need to go out and get certified and take courses. What is the best route of training/entry into MDS nursing? My facility also doesn't have a ton of money and I doubt they would pay for courses to get me certified. Also, should I approach the corporate MDS nurse or the DON at my facility about this? I have heard conflicting things about how to go about this! Thanks :) Also, I am in MA.

[silverbat]

you can read the RAI manual. CMS.org has one on its website. This manual is the "bible" of an MDS coordinator and will walk you through the MDS process. I would ask to shadow the current MDS Coord and see what all she does. the certification is good, but in my opinion, it would be hard to become certified unless you had a basic idea of what you are doing. Just my 2 cents! Best wishes.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

As with many things, there are many ways to get to where you want to go. If your company will pay for your classes, then take classes. There is a wealth of information online about MDSs. You could be trained by the person who is doing the MDSs now but your training will only be as good as her knowledge.