charting50

NO - maybe I am not using the right term - what I mean is, prior to inputting an assessment, someone has to go into the computer and "create an assessment" so that the IDT can enter their responses in their sections in the MDS. For example, after the last assessment has been entered, locked and transmitted then another assessment has to be "created" or maybe prepared or set up so that the team can start working on the next assessment.

Does anybody want to come to northern Idaho or know of anybody - MDS/CM Nurse?

Our RN Coordinators and the Medical Record Dept are having a disagreement as to who is responsible and when in "creating an MDS assessment". Each discipline at our facility enters their own sections of the MDS directly into the computer. Medical Records feels that the RN Coordinator should create the assessment prior to entering their sections and the RN Coordinators feel that Medical Records should create the assessment as the other disciplines do their sections prior to the RN Coordinator. Your input as to how your facility accomplishes this would be appreciated. Also, how far in advance can the MDS assessment be created?

We are a small 68 bed facility and rarely have any call-offs. The LNs on the floor manage the call-offs and if they are unable to replace, they call the DNS -me. If I cannot come up with other ideas during the week then it is me - for LN coverage - I don't work as a CNA but I have gone in to assist with feeding, etc. I do have 5 Nursing Managers and we share weekend call from Friday at 1330-Monday at 0530. If we nursing managers can't replace the call-off then we go in and work. The 5 Nursing Managers are the DNS, CMC, SDC, MDS Medicaid RN Coordinator and the Day Shift Supervisor. All 5 of us have every weekend off so it really is not a problem for us to be on call every 5th weekend. Each of us probably works an average of 3-4 shifts per year which is manageable. We do have a small pool of CNAs that work part time and are good at picking up call-off shifts. The nursing managers are not always happy with taking call but I cannot do all of it plus the DNS in Idaho should not be working the floor if the census is 60 or above.