Fairly new MDS nurse...has questions.

noc4senuf · Dec 11, 2011

You are the only MDS nurse? If so, they are completely unrealistic of the time requirements. You need to speak to them right away.

susanthomas1954 · Dec 13, 2011

You could offer to go salaried. Don't shoot me, I'm only the messenger. That's too much skilled for one person, much less expecting you to do LTC. The MDS 3.0 increased time by no less than 25% per nurse. You need two full time nurses to do what you are doing. Two full time nurses that know what they are doing.

montecarlo64, ASN, BSN, LPN · Dec 14, 2011

You are in a situation where failure is inevitable. You definitely need another full-time MDS nurse to help. Do a time study for a week & present this to your administrator...If management does not help you, I would be looking for another job..It is your license & the integrity of the assessments which are being compromised..Good Luck:)

wannabe2008 · Jan 1, 2012

Idahomdsnurse, this is how I look at it. I started in MDS this last summer. I go in early and sometimes a few hours on the weekend. I dont get overtime but am more than willing to do it. It is new years weekend and I am going in to do some work and I am going in with a smile on my face

All the MDS nurses I know make more money than floor nurses (I do and I started with zero experience) and have no problem getting a job after a couple years experience. I also spend several hours a week studying for my RAI-CERT which I have to pay for out of my pocket.

I am willing to come in without being paid money for it because I am being paid with experience and knowledge that will equal more money and a better position in the future. I live in California and already have been told by an MDS consultant that after I get two years experience and want to make more money then give her a call. It also helps that I really like my job and consider it one of my hobbies.

As for the OCD, I have a little of that going on. I have been told that an obsesive personality(to a cettain point) and unusual attention to detail really helps someone be a good MDS nurse. That is why I got the job and seem to be good at it.

I know not everyone sees it the same way I do but maybe it will help you stick it out.

wannabe2008 · Jan 1, 2012

I forgot to add: Yes it is crazy busy but that is the nature of the job and one reason it takes a little bit of obsessive personality to do it. You are able to be an MDS nurse when most people aren't able to handle the pace. I have learned not to stress over the work load but to look at it as a challenge. (sounds super corney but someone told me to try it and it worked for me) I used to look at my calender and flip out thinking there was no way I can get this done. Now I look at my calender and get really motivated from it. To be honest, there are times I dont get it all done. I have learned that when that happens, the world dosn't end and there is no way they will fire me because it is so hard to find an experienced nurse to replace me:)

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jan 2, 2012

You should check the BON in your state. I really don't think you can lose your license for a late MDS. That is one of my pet peeves....lots of people on here say they'll lose their license for this or that and really....most likely not.That said, I agree with the others. There should be another full time MDS person in your building.

wannabe2008 · Jan 2, 2012

You will not lose your liscence. If you don't get the job done, it will just affect your facilities reimbersement rate. .