mds coordinators

Specialties MDS

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Just wondering if there are any mds coordinators out there???? I just accepted an lpn mds coordinator position for a ltc facility!!!! I am so excited!!! What is your typical day like?

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Moved your post to the MDS Coordinator Information Forum. Good luck in your new job!

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Specializes in MDS coordinator, hospice, ortho/ neuro.
Just wondering if there are any mds coordinators out there???? I just accepted an lpn mds coordinator position for a ltc facility!!!! I am so excited!!! What is your typical day like?

My typical day is lots of assessments, lots of meetings, keeping an eye on all kinds of stuff. Ever done the MDS before? OCD is a plus here, being well organized is a must.

check out aanac.org

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The only experience with mds I have had was in my preceptorship. I was told in the interview that I would not feel comfortable with the position for at least 4 months. I am so excited to learn something new!!! How long have you been in this position? Any advice first starting out? I really want to do a good job. Thank you:lol2:

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Specializes in MDS coordinator, hospice, ortho/ neuro.
The only experience with mds I have had was in my preceptorship. I was told in the interview that I would not feel comfortable with the position for at least 4 months. I am so excited to learn something new!!! How long have you been in this position? Any advice first starting out? I really want to do a good job. Thank you:lol2:

I've been at it 7 years. At least 4 months is right, maybe a year before you get the sense of the finer points of the thing. Get yourself sent to training / seminars / etc. Subscribe to AANAC, take their courses. Learn and stay up to date with all the new developments you see at AANAC, sign up for their discussion group. Be proactive...don't just wait for corporate to teach you stuff.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Congrats on the MDS job. I have been doing MDS's for 7 years, MDS coordinator for 2 1/2 years. We have 2 MDS coordinators for our 135 bed facility, which makes the job much more tolerable. Days consist of meetings, chart reviews, CNA interviews about the residents, inputting information, care planning, etc, etc. I think some of the most challenging aspects are getting accurate info from the staff and coordinating medicare and therapy services. Aanac courses are a great idea. Good luck!

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Specializes in MDS,ltc, resident focused care plans.
Just wondering if there are any mds coordinators out there???? I just accepted an lpn mds coordinator position for a ltc facility!!!! I am so excited!!! What is your typical day like?
Just wondering how you are doing in your job? I have been an MDS coordinator for 10+ yrs in long term care and I love it.......I am now in a 146 bed building and have all electronic charting.....no more paper!!!! Please let me know how you are doing. cj:nurse:
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It Has Definately Been A Struggle!! I Have Cried, Pouted, Sulked, And Almost Quit. Things Are Finally Starting To Come Together A Bit. Scheduling Still Confuses Me But I Put My Big Girl Panties On And Determined To Get It Together!!

:D

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Specializes in SNF/ MDS/ Clinical Reimbursemen.
......Scheduling Still Confuses Me But I Put My Big Girl Panties On And Determined To Get It Together!!

:D

I am glad to see you hung in there. There is a big learning curve to be a MDS Coordinator and an even bigger learning curve to be a successful one. Are there any specific questions you have about scheduling? I'd like to help you if I can....

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Specializes in LTC.

I am so glad I found this forum. I have been an MDS Coordinator for four months. Some days I love it. Some days I want to quit. Today was not so hot. :cry: I laughed at the post that said OCD was a plus ( but then I thought how true that was). I work alone in a 56 bed SNF. My questions are:

1. How long till one feels comfortable in the position?

2. What training is recommended outside of "corporate" provided?

Is AANAC the best?

3. How do you keep your sanity?

Thanks in advance for any wisdom shared:nuke:

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Specializes in Vascular Access Nurse.
i am so glad i found this forum. i have been an mds coordinator for four months. some days i love it. some days i want to quit. today was not so hot. :cry: i laughed at the post that said ocd was a plus ( but then i thought how true that was). i work alone in a 56 bed snf. my questions are:

1. how long till one feels comfortable in the position?

2. what training is recommended outside of "corporate" provided?

is aanac the best?

3. how do you keep your sanity?

thanks in advance for any wisdom shared:nuke:

:D

sanity isn't required...in fact, it's not recommended!!

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Specializes in SNF/ MDS/ Clinical Reimbursemen.

I would say there is a huge learning curve for becomeing a MDS Coordinator. It takes about 6 months to grasp minimal competency and then another 6 months to begin mastering your skills and develop critical thinking skills. AANAC is a great resource. I would recommend waiting until you have been in your position a few [6 months would be good] months before taking the certification course, so that you can really absorb the information you are taught. Otherwise it may be overwhelming. I think you definetly have to develop some stress releavers or you will go insane. Venting on these nursing blogs seems to be a good way to relive stress. Good Luck in your position.

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