What does an MDS RN do?

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Hi,

I have been an RN for 1 1/2 yrs and was an LPN for 1 1/2 years. I was recently hired at every job I applied for (as you would all probably know!) I am trying to figure our exactly what an MDS RN does? This is the job that I think I want from what they have told me, but I am trying to figure out what I'll actually be doing? I already searched the web... i need help!

Please help, I need to tell them soon if I want the job!

Thanks

Nemo

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MDS stands for Minimum Data Set which is a comprehensive assessment for your long term care pt.

All areas are assessed including:

Pt care- how much can the pt do for himself and how much assist is needed by staff.

Illness and history.

Dietary hx

Activity participation

Social service needs.

Therapy minutes and anticipated needs.

These assessments are done at set intervals with more frequent assessments for Medicare pts.

The assessments are used for reimbursment from medicare and medicaid and pay may be based on the acuity of the pt.

Many facilities also base their staffing on the acuity generated by the MDS.

It is a difficult job but it can be rewarding.

Give yourself a minimum of 6 months to get comfortable with the job and make sure the facility provides you a support person to ask your many questions (at least by phone).

You can also PM me. I did it for 3 years.

-Russell

The MDS coordinator must work with all the other disciplines

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Russell,

I appreciate your assist. I will take you up on the offer.. Im sure!

Nemo

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I have been a MDS Coord for 12 years, I would be glad to assist you in any way that I can.

MaryEtta from Ky

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I am looking for an online program to qualify for an MDS RN. Lots of links for seminars to upgrade to 3.0 , but I need to know the 2.0 first. Any suggestions?? Sandy from Florida

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How do I find an online course to qualify for the MDS RN? I am a practicing RN in Florida and would like a lateral move. Sandy RN :nurse:

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I don't mean to be negative, but if you don't even know what an MDS nurse does, you shouldn't be taking a job as one. With MDS 3.0 coming up, it will be even more important to have people who know what they are doing do the MDS.

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Specializes in Corrections,Med/Surg, Infectious Disease.

Does any RN in FL know what the pay range is for a LTC or Assisted Living Care for RN's? Thanks!

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to SandyBeach

You do not need to know MDS 2.0 first in fact it is easier if you just learn 3.0 without learning about 2.0. I have been doing MDS for over 11 years - 10 years of it have been 2.0,. I had my AANAC certification and my company's certification but none of that education really prepared me for the 3.0. The company I work for sent me to 3 training programs to learn about 3.0 before it was put into effect and later this month I will be flying up to seattle to certify in the 3.0 MDS. I am almost more concerned about the changes that the "Final Rule" is going to bring with the COT Assessments.

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MDS stands for Minimum Data Set which is a comprehensive assessment for your long term care pt.

All areas are assessed including:

Pt care- how much can the pt do for himself and how much assist is needed by staff.

Illness and history.

Dietary hx

Activity participation

Social service needs.

Therapy minutes and anticipated needs.

These assessments are done at set intervals with more frequent assessments for Medicare pts.

The assessments are used for reimbursment from medicare and medicaid and pay may be based on the acuity of the pt.

Many facilities also base their staffing on the acuity generated by the MDS.

It is a difficult job but it can be rewarding.

Give yourself a minimum of 6 months to get comfortable with the job and make sure the facility provides you a support person to ask your many questions (at least by phone).

You can also PM me. I did it for 3 years.

-Russell

The MDS coordinator must work with all the other disciplines

Agree w/Russell. :)

They are not hard to DO, but they take attention to detail to learn, and discipline to stay on schedule. It takes a while to feel proficient. I enjoyed the 4-5 years I did them, from back when they were done with a pen on a hard copy, to the beginning of computerized, to the initial PPS conversion (which caused a LOT of facilities to close down due to pathetic reimbursement rates). You have to nitpick to get the best reimbursement. And very few nurses will fill in for you on vacations/sick days...so you get a pile waiting. If Medicare MDSs are late, you can get a default rate, which is the bottom rung. I haven't seen the 3.0 but a friend of mine says the "-" dashes are a pain.

I liked MDSs- if you are good at them, a facility will do all it can to keep you happy :) If you can get an orientation for at least a couple of weeks (and take the manual home to study) you can learn how to do them- just remember to NEVER knowingly enter incorrect data for any reason (federal issue- literally).

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I have been a MDS Coord for 12 years, I would be glad to assist you in any way that I can.

MaryEtta from Ky

hi if you wanna be an MDS, i wonder what do u need to study? im an LVN.

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I recently accepted a position in LTC in Homestead, FL. Pay rate (starting) is $26/hour.

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