MDS nurse needs a break

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 11, 2011

I have been an MDS coordinator for almost a year. I have had a one week vacation a few months ago & I never call in...I have requested a 4 day (I worked previous weekend as manager) & a 5 day weekend off (have offered to work the Sun before and Sat after if needed depending on my assessment load) in the next month...I have been a mostly a career weekend option nurse prior to this MDS position & I am really having a hard time adjusting to the monday through friday schedule. I know with the new changes coming in October, things will be a lot more hectic for a while & I may not get another chance for a break. This is why I have requested a couple of long weekends...I need a break & I need to spend some time with my family!! My DON didn't like the idea, which really upset me, especially since she calls in at least every other week or so. I do a good job keeping up & my CMI & medicare rates are good...I just needed to vent..Thanks for listening:)

I hear ya- I was the only one who did PPS MDSs for a 140 bed facility (most beds certified)...usually had 25 PPS...another nurse did the quarterly MDSs, and i did all of the Annual and COCs. I had to have surgery, and had to train someone to babysit my stuff for 2 weeks (made me crazy). It's hard when there aren't others in the bldg who can do your job. I liked weekends as well... have done a bunch of different things- but liked the TX MDS job (they have their own form- or did when I was doing them). What's up in October ?? (I've been on disability for 7 years- but still am a nurse at my core :) ).

tlao2427 · Aug 30, 2011

I would ask your company to change your boss to the administrator. I am a MDS coordinator and we are mostly administrative. Our DON really doesnt have a say over us.

montecarlo64, ASN, BSN, LPN · Aug 31, 2011

Thanks for listening and for the replies!! No one knows except those of us who do this or have done this for a living:)

golflinda2214 · Sep 2, 2011

In this position, you know better than anyone when you have the ability to take time off and not interrupt the MDS schedule. I have a lot of autonomy, able to take off some weekdays in exchange for w/e when I know I need to do interviews, etc or when PPS is due.

imkaren2 · Oct 23, 2011

I hear ya- I was the only one who did PPS MDSs for a 140 bed facility (most beds certified)...usually had 25 PPS...another nurse did the quarterly MDSs, and i did all of the Annual and COCs. I had to have surgery, and had to train someone to babysit my stuff for 2 weeks (made me crazy). It's hard when there aren't others in the bldg who can do your job. I liked weekends as well... have done a bunch of different things- but liked the TX MDS job (they have their own form- or did when I was doing them). What's up in October ?? (I've been on disability for 7 years- but still am a nurse at my core :) ).

I love that goats smile! LOL:)