throw in the towel with MDS

[surfnbeagle]

hi I am new to MDS, took a position 2 months ago. I WAS going to be trained by their former coordinator, but she left. I am reading my manual, and we have another MDS nurse, though she acts shall I say , unapproachable at times. I have inherited a mess. The former MDS coordinator didnt even go out and assess her residents!! How much time should I give this? I know other people have trained themselves. When do you start to feel comfortable?

[MDS RN RAC-C]

Hi, I've been an MDS Coordinator for 5 years. The RAI manual is my Bible and

I'm also a graduate of AANAC (American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators). AANAC has work manuals for every section of the MDS. They also have a web site with updates, forums, FAQ's, etc.

You can also attend other training seminars provided by Briggs and others which give a good overview for beginners. The only way to accurately score an MDS is by extensive training, reading your RAI manual, and experience. Good luck.