unable to find MDS job...

Specialties MDS

Published

I've been MDS certified for the past eight months and have been unable to find a job:mad:. Every facility wants experience of at least a yr...however if noone hires me how am I suppose to get the needed experience.Any ideas??????????

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Long term care.

I am currently in my 2nd MDS staff position, in the past 3 years - with no prior experience, and without being certified. I work under an RN whom is the Coordinator. So, these types of jobs do exist.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MDS/ UR.

I am expecting a mass shake loose in the next few months in opportunities. It's hard to advise not knowing your location. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in gerontology.

I second that! Are there facilities that would let you work part-time and shadow an MDS coordinator, gathering documentation, doing the interviews, etc. to help them out? You would be learning as you go, and hopefully put yourself into a better position for full time employment.We MDS coordinators are all scrambling right now, so do not be discouraged. We need help but this isn't the ideal time to be training while we're in a state of flux. I could sure use an extra person to pick up some of the clinical stuff while I concentrate on the compliance and financial piece. Maybe someone near you is in the same boat and would welcome the extra hands.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Long term care.

I'm not sure about other facilities, but we could use an extra set of hands -- but we've been told that isn't going to happen. Instead of giving us help, they've given the new interviews to another staff person to do, as to try and take more off our plates instead of hiring another MDS person.

We are 'for profit' and an extra MDS nurse means less profit for the owner.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Am in Florida....moving to NJ soon.I would love to even shadow someone for a few weeks jus to get an idea of how the job works. Thanks the info I feel a little bit more encouraged as far as finding a MDS job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Here's MY question. How the heck do you get certified in anything without experience? All these classes which 'certify' people who have no experience are, in my humble (and very experienced opinion) worthless.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Here's MY question. How the heck do you get certified in anything without experience? All these classes which 'certify' people who have no experience are, in my humble (and very experienced opinion) worthless.

I agree. But they do make money for the people who provide the courses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
Am in Florida....moving to NJ soon.I would love to even shadow someone for a few weeks jus to get an idea of how the job works. Thanks the info I feel a little bit more encouraged as far as finding a MDS job.

Most facilities have a VERY tight budget. We don't have extra hours just to let someone come in and "help out while they learn the job" like someone else said. Because of that, if a MDS job opens up we have to hire someone with experience. They have to be able to hit the floor running.

Then how do you get experience? Often times if a MDS position opens the facility may choose to train an exceptional floor nurse if they can't find someone with experience. Someone who has already proved that they are detail oriented and committed to the facility.

I got a somewhat nasty reply to a different thread on this same topic, but I stand firm. As a hiring manager, why would I pick an "unknown/unproven CERTIFIED MDS coordinator" over someone with experience or even an untrained "super" nurse that I know I can count on? The certification does not prove to me that you can actually MANAGE the entire process, just that you understand the process. (Big difference in my opinion)

I think you will have to get a job as a floor nurse, prove yourself trustworthy and hardworking and let management know that you want to more forward. Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MDS/ UR.

Just to say, I had NO experience as an MDS nurse or even knew what the heck it was when I got thrown into it.

I got a 2 hour introduction to it and was set free.

Granted it was 13 years ago and times were a bit different.

I made it through and have hung on since.

Someone who has experience as a nurse and takes the class and gets certified can be an MDS nurse.

They will not be at the upper stratas of perfection at the get go but than who of us was when we first got on the MDS bus?

Cerified and experience do not always equate the same but lacking in one does not entirely negate everything either.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
Just to say, I had NO experience as an MDS nurse or even knew what the heck it was when I got thrown into it.

I got a 2 hour introduction to it and was set free.

Granted it was 13 years ago and times were a bit different.

I made it through and have hung on since.

And I started off the exact same way you describe. Had exactly 2 hours of orientation and the RAI thrown my way to read (and yes, this was about 13 years ago for me as well). BUT, my point being is the facility KNEW me & my work habits. They knew I was organized, they knew I was detail oriented and they knew I would give it my best shot. I'm not so sure tho, that a facility is gonna put all that trust into someone they don't know anything about.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

When I needed an MMQ/MDS nurse who did I pick? The nurse who had worked in the same facility for 25 years who showed us every day that she could be depended on. Is she certified? Nope....but she NEVER calls out and really wants to do a good job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment