MDS Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: MDS NURSE
DEPARTMENT: NURSING
REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF NURSING

JOB PURPOSE
The MDS (Minimum Data Set) nurse is responsible for the accurate completion and timely submission of all
required MDS assessments for residents in a skilled nursing facility. This position works closely with the
interdisciplinary team to ensure accurate documentation of resident care needs and the creation of
comprehensive care plan. The MDS nurse also serves as a resource for staff regarding MDS requirements and
regulations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conducts initial and ongoing MDS assessments for all residents in accordance with federal, state, and facility
regulations.
• Accurately completes all required sections of the MDS, including the RAI (Resident Assessment
Instrument) and care plan.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to ensure accurate documentation of resident care needs
and goals.
• Provides ongoing education to other team members regarding MDS requirements and regulations.
• Works closely with the Director of Nursing and other team members to ensure compliance with all
federal and state regulations.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and regulatory inspections
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of MDS assessments and care plans.
• Coordinates the transmission of MDS data to state and federal agencies
• Participates in interdisciplinary care plan meetings and provides input regarding resident care needs
and goals.
• Monitors and updates the care plan as needed to reflect changes in resident care needs.
• Maintain case-mix index at target level.
• Communicate in a positive manner with physicians, other healthcare team members, residents, families, visitors
and vendors to ensure continuity of care, and provide emotional support and education to residents and
families
• Adhere to facility policies and procedures, including infection control, safety, and HIPAA regulations
• Responsible for creating a calm, supportive and caring environment for residents and staff
• Responsible for complying with all safety and sanitation procedures including universal precautions
• Responsible for attending in-service programs, educational workshops and meetings as required to maintain
professional license and enhance professional growth
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a graduate of an accredited School of Nursing
• Must have a current license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse in Ohio
• Must have a current CPR certification
• Must have a minimum of one year of experience as an MDS Nurse
• At least 3 years of experience in health care, long-term care or skilled nursing facility preferred
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to long-term care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Compassionate and empathetic towards patients, families and other team members
• Ability to remain calm and patient when resident is anxious, agitated, combative or displaying other types of
distress
• Proficiency in computer skills including Microsoft Office and electronic medical records, experience with Point
Click Care preferred
• Must be in good general health and free of communicable diseases
• Must have the visual acuity and manual dexterity to perform nursing procedures accurately and safely
• Must have the ability to hear with or without use of prosthetics soft spoken words of residents, intercom and
alarms
• Must have the physical ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move intermittently throughout the shift, as well as
the ability to climb and descend stairs, use elevator and assist residents
• Must have the physical ability to lift and/or transfer residents, pulling/lifting up to 50lbs unassisted and up to
175lbs with assistance
• Must have the ability to read, write and speak the English language

WORKING CONDITIONS
• Works under the supervision of the Director of Nursing.
• Subject to hostile, aggressive, emotionally upset residents who may not be in control of their behavior.
• Subject to emotionally upset family members related to residents’ condition, care, decline and/or services.
• Subject to possible exposure to infectious waste, disease or conditions
• May be required to work beyond normal working hours, on weekends and holidays and on other shifts when
necessary.