Re: MDS nurse pros and cons

[carol maher]

The MDS coordinator is one of the most important people working in long-term care.  The MDS is the gold standard assessment for our residents.  We assess the residents at least quarterly and then do further assessments to develop a comprehensive care plan for the residents.  We keep an eye on the 24 hour report for clues about whether a resident has experienced a significant change in condition . The MDS  is transmitted to the state.  >From the information transmitted, the Quality Indicators are determined and used to survey our facilities.  The MDS is also pivitol in reimbursement, so the MDS coordinator must keep an eye on the case mix.  The financial stability of the SNF is very dependent on accurate MDSs, especially in case mix states and in facilities with high Medicare populations. Besides all of this, I enjoy the MDS process because it changes often and there are always more challenges ahead.  You don't get stagnant working in MDS, there isn't time.  I have worked as a part-time MDS coordinator as a second job.  It was challenging because I didn't know the residents or the staff very well.  But , it was interesting and I felt like I helped them out , so it was rewarding. Good luck on your decision.  All nursing positions are challenging.  I hope that you find one that matches what you enjoy. ----- Original Message ----- From: Medical Legal To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, May 08, 2004 11:44 AM Subject: MDS nurse pros and cons I joined this list last week to see what type of help I could receive here if I started a new job at a nursing home ,as an MDS, nurse part time. I  work now as your know in a hospital, I am a DON of  the whole hospital,not a floor.  It is getting to be to much and working as a LNC recently. So my question is:  Can you tell me what the pros and cons are of your job? thank you for your time. Lawfully yours,  Medical Legal Nurse, LNC [EMAIL PROTECTED]   Do you Yahoo!? Win a $20,000 Career Makeover at Yahoo! HotJobs