MDS COORDINATOR (RN)

MDS Coordinator - RN

The primary purpose of the MDS Coordinator RN position is to conduct and coordinate the development and completion of the Resident Assessment Instrument, initiate nursing care plans and ensure completion and transmission of the MDS within regulatory time frames and requirements.

Administrative Functions

Conduct and coordinate the development and completion of the resident assessment (MDS) according to current rules, regulations and guidelines set forth in the RAI User manual, including the implementation of Care Area Triggers and Care Area Assessments.

Manage RAI process and Care Plans according to VHS standards.

Complete medical forms, reports, evaluations, and studies as directed.

Develop, implement and maintain an ongoing quality assurance program for the resident assessment/care plans.

Participate in facility surveys and the development of a plan of correction as it relates to deficiencies sited in the resident assessment/care plan areas.

Schedule resident assessment/care plan meetings and inform appropriate department supervisors accordingly.

Assist in contacting outside members of the care plan team, including resident's representative/family members regarding participation in care plan meetings.

Assessment and Care Plan Functions

Conduct or coordinate the interviewing of each resident for the resident's assessment. Ensure that appropriate health professionals are involved in the assessment.

Evaluate each resident's condition and pertinent medical data to determine any need for special assessment activities or a need to amend the admission assessment.

Coordinate with the Director of Nursing to inform all assessment team members of the assessment date of newly admitted residents.

Ensure that all members of the assessment team are aware of the importance of completeness and accuracy in their assessment and that they are aware of penalties, including civil monetary penalties for false certification.

Coordinate the development of a written plan of care (interim and comprehensive) for each resident that identifies the problems/needs, indicates the care to be given, goals to be accomplished, and which professional service is responsible for each element of care.

Ensure that the care plan includes measurable objectives and timetables to meet the resident's medical, nursing and mental and psychosocial needs.

Ensure that an initial resident assessment is completed within fourteen days of the resident's admission.

Ensure that a comprehensive care plan is completed within twenty-one days of the resident's admission.

Encourage the resident and family members to participate in the development and review of the plan of care.

Develop the schedule of activities required for the completion of the Resident's assessment process.

Assist the Director of Nursing Services and relevant supervisors in ensuring that all personnel providing direct care to the resident are aware of the plan of care and that they refer to the care plan prior to administering daily care.

Ensure that quarterly and annual MDS and care plan reviews are completed per the schedule in the RAI Manual.

Ensure that a complete assessment is conducted within fourteen days of a significant change in the resident's condition.

Coordinate the review and revision of the care plan by the interdisciplinary team (including hospice, if appropriate) after each quarterly review to ensure that the care plan is revised to reflect the change in status.

Assist the DON and other relevant supervisors in maintaining good rapport and morale between and within departments to ensure a team effort in providing consistent quality care.

Ensure that each portion of the assessment is signed and dated by the person completing that portion of the MDS.

Sign and date the MDS to certify its completion.

Transmits MDS per state and federal regulations.

Committee Functions

• Act as Chairperson of the Interdisciplinary Care Plan Team.
• Serve on other committees as required or requested by the Administrator or DON.
• Provide written or oral reports as requested by various committees as it relates to resident care planning.
• Evaluate and implement recommendations from established committees that pertain to assessment and/or care plan functions.

Personnel Functions

• Maintain an effective, friendly working relationship with health professionals, physicians, consultants and governmental agencies that may involve assessment and care plan functions.
• Meet with and solicit advice from department supervisors concerning the assessment and care plan functions.

Staff Development Functions

Assist in the development, planning, scheduling and conducting of timely in service training the IDT regarding assessment skills and techniques for completing the MDS. Such training would include but not be limited to interviewing residents, rehabilitation principles, psychotropic drugs, care plan documentation and functions, etc.

Attend continuing education programs designed to keep abreast of changes in your profession, as well as to maintain your license.

Resident Rights Responsibilities

Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.

Ensure that all residents are treated fairly, and with dignity, kindness and respect.

Ensure that resident interviews are conducted in private.

Ensure that all nursing service personnel are knowledgeable of and honor the residents' rights including the right to refuse treatment. Ensure that such requests are in accordance with the facility's policies governing advance directives.

Ensure that the facility's policies and procedures governing advance directives are reviewed with the resident and/or representative.

Review complaints and grievances made by the resident and make a written/oral report to the DON indicating what action(s) were taken to resolve the complaint or grievance. Follow the facility's established procedures.

Obtain a written record of the resident's complaints and/or grievances that indicates the action taken to resolve the complaint or the current status of the complaint. Give report to DON or Administrator.

Report and investigate all allegations of resident abuse and/or misappropriation of resident property.

Working Conditions

Works in office areas as well as throughout the nursing service area (drug rooms, nurses' station, resident rooms, etc.)

Moves intermittently during work hours.

Is subject to frequent interruptions.

Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, under all conditions and circumstances.

Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.

Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel and other department supervisors.

Works beyond normal working hours and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.

Is subject to callback during emergency conditions.

Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.

Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc. including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, plastics, synthetics, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other potential contaminants.

May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Maintains a liaison with the resident, their families, support departments, etc. to adequately plan for the residents' needs.

Job Requirements

Education

• Must be a graduate from an accredited Nursing school, or possess a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a RN in this state.

At least one (1) year experience in rehabilitative and restorative nursing or as a staff nurse in a health care facility. Experience in long-term care required.

Specific Requirements

Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

Must possess computer skills and some understanding of documentation software programs.

Must display professionalism both in appearance and attitude.

Must possess the ability to solve problems and make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agency personnel and the general public.

Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.

Must possess the ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and to coach and/or supervise other personnel.

Must be able to plan, organize, develop, implement and interpret the programs, goals