What does an MDS Nurse do?
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!
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