MDS Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The MDS Coordinator’s primary goal is to manage MDS assessments in the facility, which includes an evaluation of all skilled nursing patients’ health, quality of care and well-being.  

Essential Functions

• Promote the mission, vision, and values of the organization
• Perform patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient’s age.
• Perform a head-to-toe assessment on all swing bed patients and reassessments as per policy.  This includes: pediatric, geriatric and the general patient population.
• Initiate care plans and ensure compliance with care planning.  
• Initiate, participate, and document care plan meetings to maintain in compliance with regulations.
• Participate in regulatory survey process as needed
• Ability to revise standard of care as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate overall plan daily for effectiveness.
• Formulate a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Demonstrate ability to perform treatments and provide services to level licensure.
• Understanding of Traditional Medicare, Managed Medicare and Medicaid requirements
• Understanding of respective payment models of various payors 
• Communicate appropriately and clearly to Nurse Manager, co-workers, and physicians.
• Consult other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
• Working knowledge of the MDS assessment tool, including MDS coding knowledge, MDS submission, MDS corrections, & MDS schedules.  
• An understanding of medical terminology, nursing practices and patient care standards.
• Demonstrate an ability to be flexible, organized, and function under stressful situations.
• Treat patients and their families with respect and dignity
• Ensure patient confidentiality.
• Function as liaison between administration, patients, physicians and other healthcare providers.
• Interact professionally with patient/family and involve patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Maintain a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Ensure that documentation meets current CMS standards and policies and complies with organizational standards.
• Communicate with case manager/discharge planner regarding both in hospital and post discharge needs.
• Coordinate and supervise patient care as necessary.
• Comfort with electronic records.
• Will rotate in general nursing role if census decreases

Non-Essential Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned

Professional Requirements

• Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Complete annual education requirements.
• Always maintain patient confidentiality. 
• Report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Wear identification while on duty.
• Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations. 
• Always represent the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicate the mission, ethics, and goals of the organization.
• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Attend regular staff meetings and in-services.

Integrity 

• We are committed to honesty and ethical principles, where our words and actions reflect our dedication to fostering strong relationships and maintaining professional credibility. 
• We take accountability for our actions and their impact on others, consistently honoring our commitments and upholding moral standards and values in every situation. 

Learning 

• We promote personal growth and professional excellence by embracing continuous learning through training, mentorship, and constructive feedback. 
• We foster a collaborative culture driven by curiosity and critical thinking, encouraging staff to ask questions, seek answers, and share knowledge. 

Innovation 

• We confidently embrace changes in technology, processes, and practices, encouraging strategic risk-taking and creativity to enhance healthcare delivery, patient safety, and the quality of care. 
• We collaborate with partners from other hospitals, academic institutions, industry leaders, and community organizations to promote continuous improvement and remain at the forefront of advancing healthcare outcomes. 

Kindness 

• We engage in open communication with patients, families, and colleagues to understand their needs and concerns, while respecting their differences and upholding their dignity. 
• We foster a nurturing environment where individuals feel supported, understood, and valued, strengthening relationships, promoting growth, and enhancing the overall well-being of all. 

Excellence 

• We strive to be a model rural healthcare facility, setting high standards in healthcare delivery and ensuring exceptional patient satisfaction within the communities we serve. 
• We take pride in our accountability and fiscal responsibility, skillfully balancing costs and outcomes to guarantee that superior patient care is always delivered. 

Unity 

• We collaborate across departments and disciplines to deliver effective and compassionate healthcare, working alongside patients, families, and community partners to ensure seamless coordination of care and achieve our common goals of wellness and healing. 
• We prioritize open communication and mutual respect, empowering our teams to collaborate effectively by acknowledging and celebrating the unique contributions and strengths of each individual. 

Qualifications

• Current RN or LPN licensure in the state of New Mexico or compact state
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or must be obtained within thirty (30) days of hire
• Obtain RAC certification within 36 months of employment preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

• Knowledge of nursing services
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail, and maintain a positive attitude
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions  

• Working irregular hours including call hours
• Physically demanding, high-stress environment
• Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions
• Pushing and pulling heavy objects
• Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients

• Position requires light to moderate work with 50 pounds maximum weight to lift and carry.
• Position requires reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing.