New Gad questions

[emilyray]

Hi guys! I am a new graduate (actually graduating tomorrow!) and I had some questions about MDS. I have worked as a CNA at a LTC facility for the past year while in school. My plans after graduation were to continue as a floor nurse at my facility for about the next 6 months before moving back to my hometown (my daughter is in Kindergarten and I want to wait til summer). However, my DON recently asked me if might be interested in the MDS position at my facility. To be honest, the only reason I would take this position and not move back home would be if it was financially worth it. I already have some experience with Medicaid and Medicare from a previous job. However, my dream job is to work in the hospital in critical care, but I don't want to pass up a good financial opportunity for my family. I didn't ask how much it paid because the position is just potentially available possibly in the next two months, and she said I would have first choice in the position as the only BSN nurse at my facility. I guess my question is- do MDS nurses make significantly more than a hospital floor nurse, and as a new graduate is it a good idea to start in this position?

[silverbat]

IMO a nurse needs to have quite a lot of expeieince as a nuse, preferably in LTC before doing MDS. You have to be good at assessments, know medicafions and how disease processes affect individuals, how to work with patients, family and doctors as well as other staff members and time management skills are mega important.

Of course you can learn the mechanics of MDS, but it takes knowledge and experience to do the job well.

I knew little abour MDS when I first took rhe position, but I had 15 yrs hospital experience behind me to back me up.

[HolyPeas]

Shame on your DON. No, an MDS nurse needs experience. Sounds desperate and short sided. State will chew you up, spit you out, and you will be the fall guy.

[NurseMellie]

I wouldn't recommend taking the position at this point in your career. As other posters have mentioned theres a huge responsibility level placed on your shoulders. Typically the MDS nurse makes more than some of the floor nurses, it depends on experience, etc; just like any other job. Sometimes the increase in pay is not worth the stress of the job. (I am still a fairly new MDS coordinator with 5yrs of Nursing experience, 8yrs as a NAC).

[emilyray]

Thanks guys! I don't think I'll be accepting the job. I really want to get experience as a floor nurse and don't want to sit behind a desk. I appreciate the advice!