MDS training/job

[Karen Ann]

Hi!

I am an experienced nurse of 29 years and I am looking for a MDS job in Iowa. My problem is, the current job openings want 1-3 years experience in MDS. I have had back injury so I am unable to give direct patient care. I am currently taking the MDS 101 course and plan to get my cerification from AANAC for the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators. RAC-CT. Any suggestions to finding a job? Will my certification qualify me for MDS job, even though I do not have direct job experience?

Thanks

[Talino]

altho i've seen your post 2 days ago, without any replies, i hate to be the one to dash your hopes. this is an excerpt of my post to a similar scenario...

"mds is a mandatory tool for snfs. the accuracy of it's completion is crucial in complying w/ cms regulations and sustaining the financial state of a facility, that is why an experienced or seasoned mds coordinator is usually sought by most employers.

there are several mds training available online and maybe seminars provided in your state or nearby. they are expensive. be forwarned however, without basic knowledge, the mds cannot be learned instantly with just a one time online training and seminars. it will require an ongoing learning process, a hands-on on-the-job experience."

suffice it to say, altho these mds course providers award you w/ fancy credentials afterwards, they do not guarantee proficiency.

but who knows? maybe in your state, mds coordinators are hard to come by. a facility's current mds coordinator may be leaving or need a back-up and they will be willing to accomodate/train someone or anyone to learn the process.

in any case, 'wish you luck in your pursuit!

[Karen Ann]

Talino,

Thanks for your insight. I understand that it would be best/vital to have hands on experience for this job. I guess that is my problem, getting access to having someone allow me to train with them. I would even be open to an internship/shadow just to get the experience. So, how does one access an entry level position to obtain the experience. Any suggestions??

Thanks

[edhcinc]

Hi. One way you MIGHT be able to get "on-hands" experience is to contact one of the "chain" corporate home offices (looks like Genesis and ManorCare have facilities in IA). Tell them your situation. Ask them if they have a formal training pathway for MDS coordinators (some chains call the MDS nurse the Clinical reimbursement coordinator). Alternatively, tell them that you would like to "volunteer" at their local facility to assist their current MDS/PPS coordinator so that you could learn the role. If they won't let you volunteer, perhaps you could "observe." (either role will require some type of stand-alone HIPAA Business associate agreement, as you will not be an employee)

Good luck!

[Karen Ann]

Edhcinc,

I appreciate your suggestions!

Thanks

[Talino]

Send your resume to as many facilities accessible to you and indicate your intentions in your cover letter. In some NY facilities, "nurse supervisors" are given the responsibility to oversee a portion of the MDS role, e.g., if it's being completed as scheduled, supporting doc'n exist, whether the care plans match the MDS, and even signing the MDS when complete. Altho' these are just a smidgen of what the real MDS coordinator does, it'll be a step to gain entry into the system. You'll have a partial orientation/training from the MDS coordinator. Read the RAI manual as much as you can. Ask the MDS coordinator questions.

Altho it will take some time, it can be learned! And once you've reached that level, you can shoot for that actual role when a position opens up in your area.

[Karen Ann]

Talino

Again many thanks for all and any suggestions that I can follow up on!!

Karen Ann