Where Should I Begin with Training

Hey Paula I'm in a similar position as you!! I just emailed the AANAC and asked them where to begin!! I will keep you posted when I get a reply ?

Hi Kelzo,

I joined the AANAC and looked into the certification. I signed up for the first class and printed the material. This is something that I plan on doing very slowly because I have a full time RN position, working over 50 hrs a week at times (I'm at work now, LOL) and have 2 other businesses. I am in no rush. I will let you know how it goes. Keep in touch. I am from NH originially from MA. :-)

Did u get the MDS 101? I was looking at that and I think I will need the one w the textbook included. How much was it to join?? I'm off to work myself. I do a Baylor and both love & hate the hours!! I'm so ready for a more "normal" schedule!!

It's been since Aug. 2014 that anyone has responded to this thread... just wondering if anyone ever figured out where to actually start this venture. I too am interested in doing the MDS training but not sure where to start. I went to the AANAC site and there is something about books (I saw 3 available) but I can't find anything else. I am hoping that this is a sort of "self-study" as I do work full time with LOTS of overtime, so I want to be able to take my time. So... any tips out there?

I had on the job training for my position. Would I recommend courses or classes without some hands on? Maybe, Maybe not. It depends on how the classes are broken down. The ANAAC courses appear to be broken down in a way that you could start there and start taking their classes. I did a 3 day course that covered all of MDS items which included some of the same ANAAC things.

I also had on the job training. It's overwhelming but if you are sharp and detail oriented, it can be done. You can't go into MDS without experience and be the only nurse, someone has to be there to train you and do the schedules and upload everything to Medicare while you learn - and because you are working diligently to get your MDS's done, and maybe care plans, too, it can take a year or so to truly understand the whole thing.

And it's a conflict of interest to work MDS and be a medication nurse in the same facility. MDS is administrative and Medication nurse works in nursing. If you are an MDS nurse working the floor, you can know what needs to be charted for a higher rug score. Conflict of interest.

Thank you Eldragon and Nurse Mellie for your advice and input.

Hey Paula a quick update....I have take 5 out of 10 classes the AANAC offers and will be going on my first interview for an MDS position Tue!!! Have you started working with MDS yet??

Hi Kelzo,

I took the course to be able to prepare for the future. I am not ready yet to settle down into the MDS position and love the place where I work. Because of that, I am not actively looking for an MDS position because I don't want to leave my company. Should something open up where I work, I would re think that decision. Right now, I work on the floor 3 to 4 days a week, work at the hair salon I own, and work at hospice when I want a change for a shift. I am committed to 3 days a week at the nursing home and anything else I do, I go by what I feel like doing. As long as I work 5 days a week I mix up my work. I am not yet ready to give up that freedom. :-) keep my posted. I hope you get the job!!! you can email me at [email protected]. I would love to hear how your interview went.

Ok I will shoot you an email after my interview next week. Boy, you are BUSY!! Right now I work an overnight baylor shift only. This new MDS position is only 24hrs so Im gonna do both for now!!