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What does an MDS Nurse do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An MDS nurse is responsible for the assessment and care of patients with complex medical needs. They work closely with other members of the healthcare team to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

MDS Nurse job duties include:

  • Review patient records to determine care needs
  • Develop and implement care plans based on assessment findings
  • Monitor and evaluate patients’ responses to treatments
  • Coordinate care with other members of the health care team
  • Communicate with patients and families about care plans and treatment options
  • Keep accurate and up-to-date patient records
  • Follow infection control and safety protocols
  • Supervise nursing staff members
  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives
  • Perform discharge planning

MDS Nurse Job Requirements

An MDS nurse must have a nursing degree from an accredited school, as well as certification in MDS coding from the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination. They must also have experience working with the MDS system in a long-term care setting.

MDS Nurse Skills

  • Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team
  • Ability to assess patients for level of care needs
  • Ability to develop and implement care plans
  • Ability to monitor and evaluate patient progress
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Patience
  • Compassion

Related: Top MDS Nurse Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an MDS Nurse

An MDS nurse is a registered nurse who has specialized training in the assessment and care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. They work closely with patients and families to provide support and education about the disease process, as well as coordinate care with other health care professionals.

To become an MDS nurse, you will first need to obtain your registered nursing license. Once you have your RN license, you can then pursue specialized training in dementia care through an accredited program. Many community colleges and universities offer these types of programs, which typically last one to two semesters. Upon completion of your training, you will be prepared to take the national certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Once you pass this exam, you will officially be an MDS nurse!

Related: MDS Nurse Resume Example

Related: MDS Nurse Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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