Couldn't take it any more.....

[wyogypsy, RN]

Well, as of May 3rd I walked out of my MDS job. It was a position I thought I would be in forever. Between 3.0, new computer system, new owners with new ways to do things, facility failing survey - we just could not keep our head above water. The two of us were losing our minds with 150 residents, avg 15 Medicare, them trying to fill the 190 bed facility so lots of admits, residents being admitted that did not belong there so of course there were the rotating entry, admit, discharge, etc. I could no longer go with only one day off every week, sometimes not even that, and the long hours. The stress was really getting to me.

So now I am job hunting - but it is ok. With this time off I have had a good reminder that there is a life outside of the workplace.

Good luck to you all!

[Davey Do]

Good for you! You have to take care of yourself first and foremost. Otherwise, you'll end up being the one cared for. Which can run into all sorts of roll reversals and identity problems, etc.

[miccay]

I agree, good for you! I understand what you went through. I work in 122 bed facility but we have what they call a transitional care unit. We have anywhere between 30-40 Medicare. Most are there 20 days. Some stay longer, but hardly never a full 100 days. They come and go - new admissions, discharges to the hospital, readmissions. It is crazy. We were lucky to have 2 full time MDS Coordinators - which I am one of - and one part time MDS Coordinator. When 3.0 hit in October, we were going crazy and I turned in my notice. I could see myself going through what you just described. Management offered to hire a fourth MDS Coordinator to complete the interviews and conduct the care plan meetings. She also does some MDS's when she can. So I retracted my resignation and stayed. The fourth person has helped us tremendously, but we still work hard every day, coding and completing MDS after MDS. I used to love being a MDS Coordinator, but I am burnt out with all the work that goes with 3.0. Good luck to you. I am sure you will find another job. Other facilities need good coordinators and some are just not as fast paced and unorganized as what you were dealing with.