MDS Nurse

Description

Position Summary

The MDS Nurse (MDS) cares  for people who are sick, injured, convalescent or disabled.  They participate in the planning, implementation,  evaluation of resident nursing care and are responsible for gathering Minimum Data Set (MDS) based on the objectives, standards, and policies of the facility.  MDS  Nurse works  under the direction of the Director of Nursing ; the nature of the direction and supervision required varies by job setting.

Position Responsibilities

MDS Nurses are responsible for collecting integral data and compiling it into a thorough report for further research at their facility.  Common responsibilities of MDS Nurse include (but are not limited to): 

• Promotes and maintains a focus of patient-centered care
• Adheres to laws, rules & regulations and practices ethical integrity and interpersonal skills
• Maintains compliance with long-term care regulations including federal, state and health regulations
• Participate in the admission process of prospective residents in terms of their nursing needs and appropriate placement
• Assesses the resident and gather relevant information from multiple sources including: a. Observation
• Physical assessment
• Symptom or condition-related assessments (Braden, AIMS, falls, et)
• Resident and family interviews
• Hospital discharge summaries
• Consultant reports
• Lab and diagnostic test results
• Evaluations from other disciplines (for example: dietary, respiratory, social services, etc.)
• Determines potential PDPM and expense associated with a potential admission
• Completes and assures the accuracy of the MDS process for all residents (per the RAI Manual schedule)
• Submits the completed MDS per the RAI Manual schedule
• Post MDS submission when accepted and correct incorrect MDS and resubmit correctly
• Monitor Case Mix Index scores, looking for potential risks and/or changes that may affect Medicaid reimbursement
• Monitors Medicare assessment schedules and nursing documentation to ensure accuracy and timely submission 12. Develops and distributes MDS calendar
• Upload MDS to Abaqis system and enter ER visits into the Abaqis system
• Maintains comfortable, orderly, safe and clean environment for patients
• Records all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner in the appropriate computer system, format and on the appropriate forms
• Performs position duties in a manner as to assure resident safety and rights are priority
• Adheres to the facility corporate compliance program and promotes the program in a positive and effective manner
• Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment/shift setting

Other Responsibilities

• Follows facility OSHA safety rules and procedures
• Follows facility policies and procedures and adheres to federal and state regulations for long-term care
• Respects cultural and religious practices of patients
• Upholds HIPAA regulations
• Maintains a punctual and dependable attendance record

Position Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited LPN or RN program
• Current LPN or RN license, in good standing with the State licensing board
• Minimum of (2) years LTC experience
• Federal, State, and MHI required credentials current and on file
• Cognitive skills as related to the position

Working Conditions

Because the patients need round-the clock care, working hours include days, nights, weekends and holidays.  The number of patients assigned per shift will vary with facility and specialty, if applicable.  MDS Nurses must guard against back injury because they may have to assist CNA's in patient lifts and transfers; they must follow proper company procedures as it relates to the use of mechanical patient lift devices .  Employees are encouraged to safely move patients requesting assistance to roll/lift/transfer patients.  MDS Nurses may face hazards from exposure to chemicals and infectious diseases.  In addition, the population cared for will contain patients that are confused, irrational, agitated, and/or uncooperative.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and reaching
• Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds.  Moving, lifting or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to one- hundred (100) pounds
• Fine motor skills
• Visual acuity

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach forward with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and may lift and/or move 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  

Physical Demand Ratings are an estimate of the overall strength requirements that are consider to be important for an average, successful work performance of a specific job. The overall physical demand rating for an MDS Nurse falls within the Medium classification.  However, due to the resident population, this position has been classified as Heavy (exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects).  Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.