It sounds like the MDS is different depending on the location. The reason most facilities pay good money for the MDS nurse is because they are dealing with the reimbursement and all for profit facilities look at the numbers. I haven't had the experience of the MDS nurse making more than me as a DNS, nor will I accept that. They do however get more than staff development and RCM. It also depends on the desperation too. If you have a facility that will train for the MDS 3.0 go for it
Salary negotiation is always tricky. I live in Washington state and salary depends on bldg size and census. On average for the size of your potential bldg pays 60, 000 to 75, 000 depending on experience. Hope this helps