Forrest RN

Hello and welcome to MDS. How much experience do you have in long term care? There is a lot to the position, but I'm happy with it. There are certain parts that are State specific that I can't help with unless you live in Illinois. For the rest, I'm happy to help. Just let me know ?

Corporate policy for my facility is for the social worker only to do the BIMS... I asked because ST posed the same question.

I agree. Have her sign off. I'm lucky, no one interferes with my MDS

CMS has the new MDS manual (called the RAI) for download. I have it printed out, on my computer and on my phone! It's the Bible for MDS... Also, familiarize yourself with the new regulations that started Oct 1...changes the assessment requirement for Medicare residents. I did 39 CEU online via healthcare academy for MDS certification. I'm doing the ICD 10 CEU now. My best advice...don't be ashamed to reach out and ask questions. Do you have anyone within the company to ask? For example, I have a corporate nurse I rely on for a quick answer. If it will help, my email is [email protected] Just put new MDS in the subject and I will add you. 5 months for me and it has flown by!

Our flu shots are on backorder. So it's "none of the above." Then if we get audited, we can provide pharmacy documentation to prove that the necessary steps were taken, consent obtained, etc.

I'm basically always on call, but that is because the staff nurses, CNA's, and therapy know they can always call me. Aside from that, I'm on call 1 weekend per month.

Sounds like it might be a good fit for you. LTC will require adjusting your assessments, and learning new regulations and policies. There are a lot of resources to help ?

Each facility is different. Ask questions of the management if you are interested. My facility is a small (about 50 residents) rural facility, so I am able to cover different areas. Other facilities I have worked at had an MDS nurse and a separate restorative nurse. What are your interests? Do you enjoy bedside nursing? Because a lot of the job is office work, data collection, assessments, etc. Are you good at self direction? Because you will be responsible for scheduling the assessments and making sure the various departments have done theirs. At first, I didn't want any part of it. I didn't want to be management or leave the floor. But, ultimately it has suited my type A personality. As well as giving me more authority to be a patient advocate.

Well, I have only been doing this job since July 5th independently. But, in my facility, I am responsible for all State and Federal required assessments. I'm also in charge of the restorative nursing program. I do all the care planning for the facility. Each month, I audit the billing for the Medicare A and B residents and the Medicaid residents in therapy. I also attend meetings 3 days per week and meet with the IDT to determine any needs. In between, I work with the therapy department to schedule any residents needing evaluated as well as monitoring progress. Right now, I'm also acting DON as ours is on vacation. In my down time, I am reviewing the new regulations pertaining to PDPM and training the other staff. My goal is to be CRRN certified by March and RAC-CT certified within a year.

Just wanted to pop in and say hi. RN since 2008, long-term care since 1996, and MDS Coordinator since July 5th.