Thinking about MDS - advice?

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Hi all,

I have recently been looking at an MDS Manager position, but I have not applied yet. I am curious as to what the pros/cons are of this position. Of course I want to help people, but maybe try helping in a different way. I have done some research on MDS and I would like some input on how you feel you are making a difference, what a typical day is like and how high is the stress level?

I have spent 2 1/2 years in a SNF as an LPN. Then I became an RN and decided to step out of my comfort zone and work in a hospital on a cardiac unit, which I am starting to regret. I am not happy there, and my stress level is extremely high. I know that nursing is not easy, but where I am now is miserable. My heart is with the elderly population and I have been considering going back to the nursing home setting. Any input is greatly appreciated!!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MS, SNF, OTC, Perianesthesia, LTC.

Hey there.

First, I started as an MDS coordinator in November so my comments are related to being very new. I'm also a new grad nurse, having 5 months charge before moving to mds.

I love doing mds. I love the attention to detail you must have. I like learning how it drives the payment for the facility. I like the research.

I do not like also being unit manager which pulls me from my mds responsibilities, I do not like having minimal training, I don't like having someone question that I'm doing something wrong because they don't underdeveloped mds.... I don't like when I have to constantly refer people to the RAI ands they still don't believe what I say.

My typical day: supposed to be 9 to 5 but that's a laugh. I usually work 9 to 7 Monday thru Friday with ono call. I start by reviewing the paSt 24 hours to see if there are new orders, condition changes, skin conditions, new admissions, potential discharges. Then I pull my pps schedule and review each person to see what I need to do with them that day. I review care plans for update, meet with to see if there are RUG changes or discharges ands review minutes/set PPS up, etc. Then I go to meetings. No lunch, I eat in my office because I'm too busy. Then I complete mds for residents and make sure I have the next one set up.

Because I'm a unit manager my schedule varies based on the needs of that position for the day.

Right now I'm trying to increase my proficiency of my mds ands accuracy by creating a checklist. I carry a PPS binder with me so that no matter what is going on I have that in hand for notes, appts, etc.

Really though, I love what I do. I wish I had more time in the day. I wish people understood what I did ands the charting was better. I'm planning to take the charting back soon though so I know the residents better. I've had so many odd things happen from day 1 that those were delegated out.

If you choose mds...be prepared for the abundance of information you will know/learn, the amount of care planning you will do, accuracy you will need and regs you gotta follow. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hey there.

First, I started as an MDS coordinator in November so my comments are related to being very new. I'm also a new grad nurse, having 5 months charge before moving to mds.

I love doing mds. I love the attention to detail you must have. I like learning how it drives the payment for the facility. I like the research.

I do not like also being unit manager which pulls me from my mds responsibilities, I do not like having minimal training, I don't like having someone question that I'm doing something wrong because they don't underdeveloped mds.... I don't like when I have to constantly refer people to the RAI ands they still don't believe what I say.

My typical day: supposed to be 9 to 5 but that's a laugh. I usually work 9 to 7 Monday thru Friday with ono call. I start by reviewing the paSt 24 hours to see if there are new orders, condition changes, skin conditions, new admissions, potential discharges. Then I pull my pps schedule and review each person to see what I need to do with them that day. I review care plans for update, meet with to see if there are RUG changes or discharges ands review minutes/set PPS up, etc. Then I go to meetings. No lunch, I eat in my office because I'm too busy. Then I complete mds for residents and make sure I have the next one set up.

Because I'm a unit manager my schedule varies based on the needs of that position for the day.

Right now I'm trying to increase my proficiency of my mds ands accuracy by creating a checklist. I carry a PPS binder with me so that no matter what is going on I have that in hand for notes, appts, etc.

Really though, I love what I do. I wish I had more time in the day. I wish people understood what I did ands the charting was better. I'm planning to take the charting back soon though so I know the residents better. I've had so many odd things happen from day 1 that those were delegated out.

If you choose mds...be prepared for the abundance of information you will know/learn, the amount of care planning you will do, accuracy you will need and regs you gotta follow. :)

I am new to MDS. Tomorrow is actually my first day on my own in the position. I'm trying to remember in my head what I need to know that day and do that day. Does it get easier trying to keep all the info together in your head and remembering what needs to be done?? Kudos to you, sounds like you are very organized.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MS, SNF, OTC, Perianesthesia, LTC.

It gets easier but you have to be very organized. If you message me I will send you a PPS log to use. It tracks your medicare a days and everything you should be doing with them. I have it coded for payor days based on which mds.makes it easier if you have ransom inland discharges

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Hi, I'm wondering if you could send your log to me as well. I appreciate anything that will help my brain keep up. Thank you very much. [email protected]

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MS, SNF, OTC, Perianesthesia, LTC.

Sent to you

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Specializes in LTC, ALF DON, Admissions RN.

Hello ! I'm going to an Interview tomorrow for an MDS position. I haven't worked as an RN for several years due to two terrible losses that almost killed me . I think if I get back into nursing, perhaps I will recover & even succeed . May I please have a copy of what you use to stay organized? Thank you !

[email protected]

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MS, SNF, OTC, Perianesthesia, LTC.

Sent

Good luck to you. Mds is a different beast of stress.

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Please send it to me as well, thank-you! [email protected]

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Hi, Im also a new MDS can you please send me the log too? :)

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