MDS Nursing

[Name9335, BSN, RN]

Hello All! I have posted some of my story on here, but long story short, it is looking like I will need to leave bedside nursing. As much as I hate the idea, by brain just isn't wired for the critical thinking/judgement that on the fly/floor nursing requires. I am beginning to believe that an office job will be more suited to my strengths. I am VERY detailed oriented and a black and white thinker. I have about 6 months of experience in the hospital (orientation that didn't work out), then about a year and a half of experience in LTC, so I am somewhat familiar with a lot of the MDS terminology. Any thoughts? What does your typical day look like?

[rearviewmirror, BSN, RN]

I didn't work at LTACH so I can't say too much in this area, but from what I know, most "office jobs" require 2-3 yrs of experience. It took me at least 3 yrs grinding at the bedside to be considered for care management job, and most employers do. Not sure how many yrs you need for MDS coordinator, or non-direct care at long-term facilities. Have you looked at much job postings for these positions?

[Name9335, BSN, RN]

15 minutes ago, rearviewmirror said:

I didn't work at LTACH so I can't say too much in this area, but from what I know, most "office jobs" require 2-3 yrs of experience. It took me at least 3 yrs grinding at the bedside to be considered for care management job, and most employers do. Not sure how many yrs you need for MDS coordinator, or non-direct care at long-term facilities. Have you looked at much job postings for these positions?

Thanks, yes, that is an issue with a lot of the office jobs. Doesn’t quite look that way with MDS. The problem is I literally can’t get more bedside experience. I have tried three places now and all of them have essentially said I don’t have the critical thinking skills needed for floor nursing. I HATE it, all I ever wanted to do was floor nursing, but I also need to make the safe choice for the patients/residents. I need to step away

[jobellestarr]

I say go for it. With MDS nursing, it’s not so much critical thinking but gleaning the facts from the charting. You’ll probably do great! Take classes if you can find them.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Best for Geriatric / LTC forum.