What is an MDS nurse?

[RNOTODAY]

What is an MDS nurse? I know it involves LTC, and is an administrative position, but what are the daily tasks like? I saw an ad that attracts me, and am open to a non traditional nurse job any day, but just want to get the scoop from you guys here!!! It is only 16 hours a week, just what I need right now.

Thanks!!!

[mtngrl, ASN, RN]

I highly respect the MDS nurse. I work for an insurance company and go into LTC facilities, and when I can't get family to meet with me for a non-oriented member I always go to the MDS nurse. She basically knows everything about every resident.

[indigonurse]

Minimum Data Set. There are online classes that you can take to learn more about it and get certified. They even have their own association.

[AndromedaMDS]

The MDS nurse Is one of the hardest, stressful, most rewarding jobs that a nurse can have. I am sure most nurses say that about any number of nursing jobs and I am sure they are all correct! Of course I once had a staff nurse tell me of her disappointment at being passed up for an MDS nurse position. She was getting older and needed to get away from floor work to ease some of her stress, her words not mine. Of course all nursing jobs again are stressful but rewarding in their own way. It is intensely rewarding in gathering information and finding out answers as you are working and sometimes figuring out mistakes made or something that has fallen by the wayside when transfers come from a hospital. It is getting up close and personal with residents and staff in doing something that drives reimbursement to the nursing home. (People would be surprised if they spent time in a nursing home and found out what goes on and how dedicated most are to that type of work.) It is not for everyone but it is intensely fulfilling but a very hard and stressful job that often because of the type of work is seen as not nursing but a cushy sit down job. Be very sure you want this type of work. But if you do decide to do MDS work and you are organized and detail oriented I think you will find it is a very good type of nursing practice. I learned a lot!