how to be an efficient MDS coordinator

[the_alchemist]

I am a new MDS coordinator. No MDS experience at all, but like everybody else would say, my personality fits right in, and of course, i'll learn along the way. My first week of orientation dealt mostly with the basics. 3 days of practice on the computer and I'm starting to "create" a system that might work for me. But then of course, the MDS office literally looks like a mess right now, and I kinda have this picture of a more clutter-free desk as soon as I officially start owning the little room.

Simply put, it'd like to get some ideas how to be more organized, efficient, less stressed-out (we all wish, if not stress-free!), and of course stay on top of our schedules. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[PollyWolly]

In order to help us answer this question, how many residents are you responsible for and how many of them are Medicare? Do you have any help? What else are you responsible for? Thank you!

[golflinda2214]

I would say set up a spreadsheet on Excel that lists the ARDs, when the interviews are needed, assessments to be done, submission due date, date to have re-certs done, etc. I am a visual person, I like to see things at a glance and this really is helpful to me. I also print a weekly sheet that lists day by day what I need to accomplish. It sits at my hand at all times when I'm in the office. that way, someone can walk right into my shoes if I' ever out sick . Yeah, sure. .

[PammyRN,CEN]

Do you have this type of spreadsheet that you can share?

[golflinda2214]

it is not on a place that I can share it. If you know anything aobut Excel, you simply format the sheet with columns for your dates. If you do not know Excel, your business office people could help you set up the sheet.

[the_alchemist]

Thank you for your replies. We do not have Medicare residents. I am told that my job is "simplified" because of that. We have 98 beds and I am the only MDS personnel. And since I am the only person to do the job, I only do things related to MDS: care conferences, treatment meetings, updating care plans and assessments, submit MDSs, and whatever I need to do to accomplish my work. I am trying to make a spreadsheet and I am just figuring out what other things might need to be included there. I also want to keep track of admissions/discharges/transfers.

Also, for someone who is just starting in this field, would you recommend using the printed MDS first and then input to the computer? Or will directly entering answers in the computer be less complicated? Just a thought, I could help save trees, just wondering if it will be helpful to a newbie.

[PammyRN,CEN]

I think it's important that all entities enter their own information. Some places like to dibtheires on paper and hand it tobrhe mds nurse to input. I dropouts that, mds nurse thanked me... She didn't realize how thin she was spread nor how much time she spent doing others work.

[tlao2427]

Your software may have a scheduler for you. Our computer osftware schedules our mds for us. I kee p track in a calendar of close by dates. I write the residents name on the day they are due to be closed. I then email everyone when they are due to be closed. I give them usually three days to complete them, although they are not due that soon it is easier if the team thinks they are.