kelzo

I wonder how you made out? Im in MA and am interviewing for a MDS coordinator position next week.......career bulider says median salary in this area 44/hr hmmmm???

Ok I will shoot you an email after my interview next week. Boy, you are BUSY!! Right now I work an overnight baylor shift only. This new MDS position is only 24hrs so Im gonna do both for now!!

Hey Paula a quick update....I have take 5 out of 10 classes the AANAC offers and will be going on my first interview for an MDS position Tue!!! Have you started working with MDS yet??

I understand where your coming from completely........that being said. If the resident doesn't want to wake up for that Prilosec, I respect their right to refuse, chart it and if it happens repeatedly we as the MD to change the time to 11am. A lot of times things (strait cath for UA) can get pushed off to the night shift simply because "we have time" (we do!?!?! Lol) I just try and advocate for the resident always. I try and make them comfortable, and happy. I find a smile from a 90 year old that I helped put there one of the most rewarding experiences of my life ?

Did u get the MDS 101? I was looking at that and I think I will need the one w the textbook included. How much was it to join?? I'm off to work myself. I do a Baylor and both love & hate the hours!! I'm so ready for a more "normal" schedule!!

Hey Paula I'm in a similar position as you!! I just emailed the AANAC and asked them where to begin!! I will keep you posted when I get a reply ?

Here's a question. I am also new to this field, as I have been working in pharmacy pretty much ever since I graduated 18years ago. I started working perdiem at an LTC facility about 4 months ago. I have 20 pt's to pass meds to, do treatments, IV's etc..what is the legal amount of time you have to give meds? I usually start my 9pm med pass at 630pm and am lucky to be done at 10pm. Between taking vitals, checking temps, skin checks, and checking sats I do not see how anyone could space it out perfectly the way the MAR reads. I love the elderly, I enjoy this job, but I wonder is there a job that allows more time?? I feel I need more time with each resident in order to do a really good job. :heartbeat

Thank You Momma23 for you words of encouragement. I will say with each shift I work I do get more and more comfortable. Especially since the supervisors at this facility are so incredibly patient and helpful. It really has made the difference.

Hi all! I am an RN that graduated in 1990 and really did not work long in the field (6 months agency) before finding a job as a nurse in pharmacy. At the time of my graduation nurses were not in demand and most of my class moved out of state to find jobs. I really have enjoyed my job in the long term care pharmacy field ( I have been here 18 years!), but always feel like I am missing something. Recently I sent out resumes to several long term care facilities in my area. I was really surprised at the interest even though I lack experience. I have taken on a per diem position because I am really not prepared to leave my other job at this time. The worst part is how completely stupid I feel most of the time. My question is this. Can someone like me re-learn these things on the fly with experience...or am I kidding myself. I have to say, this facility has been great with orientation. The nurses and nursing supervisors have been more than welcoming and have offered to help me whenever I need it. I was paired with a great nurse for approximately 2 + weeks before I went solo. But at times I must say I feel like a fraud....am I really a nurse?? I mean I know the meds (I should after working in pharmacy!), but IV's are totally different and recognizing signs and symptoms of certain diseases may be a problem, not to mention..how do I know what lab test should be ordered when certain new meds are added??!! Am I over dramatizing?? I don't know if this is simple nerves due to a new job or if I have any business being back without more education. The nurses I have worked with assure me I am doing a great job and that my feelings are no different than a new grads but I'm not sure. Feedback anyone??