As a long-term care provider, our people work hard to help each resident receive the care best suited to their needs. Accomplishing that requires understanding the resident’s goals and past medical history – aspects that can often include a wide variety of factors.
Enter team members like Carolynn, who specializes in interviewing residents and assessing their progress as a Minimum Data Set (MDS) Nurse.
a different approach to nursing
Unlike a more traditional bedside role, MDS nurses focus on resident interviews and care plan coordination. Carolynn reviews information from multiple sources – such as chart reviews, physical assessments, and documentation from a resident’s hospital – to prepare a plan with our community’s staff.
Carolynn also plays a vital role in communicating to the state what type of residents stay in our communities. Doing so helps ensure that necessary insurance funds are sent to her building to maintain high-quality care.
I'm able to identify clinical changes with the in-person interviews and through documentation analysis. This allows our interdisciplinary (IDT) team to minimize or mitigate adverse events before they happen.
- Carolynn C., MDS Coordinator
the right fit for an mds nurse
What is essential for success in this role? Carolynn believes it’s all about communication, collaboration, and adaptability. Plus, an eye for detail can go a long way.
Within Carolynn’s community, the MDS changes at a certain time each year. After all, a resident’s needs can – and often will – shift over time. The updates help Carolynn take into consideration each person’s treatment progress and changes in insurance.
Communicating all that she reviews, and what’s different, is key to her success.
“Communication is one of the most important qualities someone could possess as an MDS nurse,” she says. “It requires communication with the resident, the family, the insurance companies – all that while collaborating with the IDT team.”
exploring new territory
While the MDS nursing role does not have the same responsibilities as a more traditional bedside role, it is still one with plenty of face-to-face patient interaction. Carolynn enjoys being able to speak with residents from a different perspective, conducting quality reviews that are key to providing the best outcomes possible.
Carolynn didn’t join our community as an MDS nurse right away. She transitioned into the role after working in bedside nursing, learning the responsibilities over time. Career transitions always come with their unique challenges, but Carolynn thanks supportive leadership for her ability to excel at the job.
This role has allowed me to have some work-life balance, and I was able to finish my master’s degree in the midst of it all.
- Carolynn C., MDS Coordinator
take the next step in your nursing story
MDS nursing is just one of many roles within our communities that offer a unique, rewarding healthcare career path. With a focus on long-term treatment, our team members provide personalized, high-quality care in an environment built to help them succeed.
Learn more about our nursing career opportunities and where your skills can make an impact for residents across our communities.
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