MDS Coordinator RN

PACS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for administering patient assessments, overseeing the assessment process, setting assessment schedules, and ensuring assessments are completed accurately and in a timely manner. The role coordinates care plans according to regulatory requirements, schedules Medicare and Medicaid services, initiates Medicare coverage for eligible patients, and manages denial letters. The MDS Coordinator RN stays updated on Medicare coverage changes, assists with Medicaid reimbursement documentation, and directs the daily functions of nursing assistants in compliance with long-term care facility regulations. They ensure nursing personnel adhere to facility policies and procedures, periodically review and recommend revisions to departmental policies, and meet with staff to plan shift services, programs, and activities. The role also ensures the Nursing Service Procedures Manual is current and followed, makes reports on shift activities, and collaborates with other resident services to maintain the resident's total regimen of care. They participate in the facility's quality assurance program, assist in facility surveys, and review/update resident discharge plans. The MDS Coordinator RN admits, transfers, and discharges residents, completes accident/incident reports, writes resident charge slips, maintains the Daily Census Report, and performs other administrative duties as necessary. They are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of resident and facility information and reporting any suspected violations. This role also involves completing and filing required recordkeeping forms, encouraging physician reviews of treatment plans, transcribing physician orders, and charting nurses' notes descriptively. They prepare and administer medications, verify resident identity, ensure adequate supplies, manage narcotic records, review medication cards, and dispose of drugs and narcotics according to procedures. The position involves participating in employee performance evaluations, determining staffing needs, and reporting staffing issues. They provide leadership to nursing personnel, conduct daily rounds, and ensure compliance with training programs. The MDS Coordinator RN meets regularly with nursing personnel to address issues, ensures adherence to policies, and fosters a positive work environment. They receive and give nursing reports, report occupational exposures, and ensure computer workstations are secured. The role involves informing personnel of new admissions, preparing rooms, greeting and escorting new residents, participating in resident orientation, and making rounds with physicians. They requisition diagnostic and therapeutic services, consult with physicians on resident care, and implement nursing objectives and standards. The MDS Coordinator RN monitors treatments, ensures direct nursing care is provided by qualified personnel, and cooperates with social and activity programs. They notify physicians and next of kin of changes in resident condition, carry out restorative and rehabilitative programs, and maintain treatment areas. Professional services such as catheterization, tube feedings, and wound care are administered as required. Restraints are used when necessary, and specimens are collected for lab tests. TPRs and blood pressures are taken, and seriously ill residents are monitored. Food brought by visitors is checked for dietary compliance. Personnel providing direct care are monitored for adherence to care plans, and residents unable to call for help are checked frequently. The role involves meeting with residents and families, admitting/transferring/discharging residents, arranging transportation, and following post-mortem procedures. Staff development includes participating in in-service training, implementing orientation programs, assisting in standardizing work methods, and training personnel on exposure risks. They assist in planning clinical supervision for nurse aide trainees and attend continuing education programs. Safety and sanitation involve monitoring staff for safety regulations, ensuring adherence to policies, identifying tasks with potential exposure, and ensuring availability of personal protective equipment. Work areas are maintained clean and sanitary, and hand hygiene techniques are followed. Fire safety and disaster preparedness drills are conducted, and infection control procedures are implemented. Hazardous conditions and equipment are reported, and safety equipment is used when lifting or moving residents. MSDSs are maintained and reported if missing or illegible. Equipment and supply needs are recommended, and adequate stock levels are maintained. Procedures for safe operation of nursing service equipment are developed, and only trained personnel operate equipment. Nursing supplies are used efficiently to avoid waste, and MSDSs for hazardous chemicals are on file. Care plans are reviewed daily to ensure appropriate care, and the Nurse Supervisor is informed of necessary changes. Nurses' notes reflect care plan adherence, and CNAs are aware of and refer to care plans. The MDS Coordinator RN assists in planning, scheduling, and revising the MDS, including RAPs and Triggers. They report suspected fraud related to billings and cost reports and provide data to the Quality Assurance & Assessment Committee. As an LPN/LVN, this role is delegated administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability for assigned duties.

Requirements

Must possess, as a minimum, a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university, or be a graduate of an approved LPN/LVN program.
Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as an LPN/LVN in this state.
Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
Ability to read technical procedures.
Ability to read and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers and employees.
Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
Must demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/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 nursing care facilities.
Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.
Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as an LPN/LVN in this state.
Current CPR certification.
Must maintain all required continuing education/licensing.
Must remain in good standing with the State Board of Nursing at all times.
Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a medical and physical examination.
Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience with PCC preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer patient assessments, oversee the assessment process, set assessment schedules, and ensure assessments are accurate and timely.
Coordinate the care plan according to regulatory requirements.
Create the schedule for all Medicare and Medicaid services.
Initiate Medicare coverage for newly qualified patients or send out denial letters.
Remain updated on changes in Medicare coverage and help determine documents needed for Medicaid reimbursement.
Direct the day-to-day functions of the nursing assistants in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines.
Ensure that all nursing personnel assigned comply with written policies and procedures.
Periodically review the department’s policies, procedure manuals, job descriptions, etc., and make recommendations for revisions.
Meet with assigned nursing staff and support personnel to plan shifts’ services, programs, and activities.
Ensure that the Nursing Service Procedures Manual is current and reflects the day-to-day nursing procedures performed.
Make written and oral reports/recommendations concerning the activities of your shift.
Cooperate with other resident services when coordinating nursing services to ensure the resident’s total regimen of care is maintained.
Ensure that all nursing service personnel are in compliance with their respective job descriptions.
Participate in the development, maintenance, and implementation of the facility’s quality assurance program for the nursing service department.
Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies.
Periodically review the resident’s written discharge plan and participate in its updating.
Assist in planning the nursing services portion of the resident’s discharge plan.
Interpret the department’s policies and procedures to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies.
Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.
Complete accident/incident reports as necessary.
Write resident charge slips and forward to the Business Office.
Maintain the Daily Census Report and submit to the Business Office.
Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc.
Agree not to disclose assigned user ID code and password for accessing resident/facility information and promptly report suspected or known violations.
Agree not to disclose resident’s protected health information and promptly report suspected or known violations.
Report any known or suspected unauthorized attempt to access facility’s information system.
Complete and file required recordkeeping forms/charts upon the resident’s admission, transfer, and/or discharge.
Encourage attending physicians to review treatment plans, record and sign their orders, progress notes, etc.
Receive telephone orders from physicians and record on the Physicians’ Order Form.
Transcribe physician’s orders to resident charts, cardex, medication cards, treatment/care plans, as required.
Chart nurses’ notes in an informative and descriptive manner that reflects the care provided to the resident, as well as the resident’s response to the care.
Fill out and complete accident/incident reports and submit to Director.
Chart all reports of accidents/incidents involving residents.
Record new/changed diet orders and forward information to the Food Services Department.
Report all discrepancies noted concerning physician’s orders, diet change, charting error, etc., to the Nurse Supervisor.
Fill out and complete transfer forms in accordance with established procedures.
Ensure that appropriate documentation concerning unauthorized discharges is entered in the resident’s medical record.
Perform routine charting duties as required and in accordance with established charting and documentation policies and procedures.
Sign and date all entries made in the resident’s medical record.
Prepare and administer medications as ordered by the physician.
Verify the identity of the resident before administering the medication/treatment.
Ensure that prescribed medication for one resident is not administered to another.
Ensure that an adequate supply of floor stock medications, supplies, and equipment is on hand to meet the nursing needs of the residents.
Report needs to the Nurse Supervisor.
Order prescribed medications, supplies, and equipment as necessary, and in accordance with established policies.
Ensure that narcotic records are accurate for your shift.
Notify the Nurse Supervisor of all drug and narcotic discrepancies noted on your shift.
Review medication cards for completeness of information, accuracy in the transcription of the physician’s order, and adherence to stop order policies.
Notify the attending physician of automatic stop orders prior to the last dosage being administered.
Dispose of drugs and narcotics as required, and in accordance with established procedures.
Participate in employee performance evaluations, determining your shift’s staffing requirements, and making recommendations to the Nurse Supervisor concerning employee dismissals, transfers, etc.
Inform the Nurse Supervisor of staffing needs when assigned personnel fail to report to work.
Report absentee call ins to the Nurse Supervisor.
Review and evaluate your department’s work force and make recommendations to the Nurse Supervisor.
Develop work assignments and/or assist in completing and performing such assignments.
Provide leadership to nursing personnel assigned to your unit/shift.
Make daily rounds of your unit/shift to ensure that nursing service personnel are performing their work assignments in accordance with acceptable nursing standards.
Report problem areas to the Nurse Supervisor.
Ensure that all nursing assistants are enrolled in or have graduated from an approved nursing assistant training program.
Ensure that all nurse aide trainees are under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
Meet with your shift’s nursing personnel, on a regularly scheduled basis, to assist in identifying and correcting problem areas, and/or to improve services.
Ensure that department personnel, residents, and visitors follow the department’s established policies and procedures at all times.
Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter departmental personnel, as well as other departments within the facility.
Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the unit and shift.
Review complaints and grievances made or filed by your assigned personnel and make appropriate reports to the Nurse Supervisor.
Receive/give the nursing report upon reporting in and ending shift duty hours.
Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures.
Report known or suspected incidents of fraud to the Administrator.
Ensure that departmental computer workstations left unattended are properly logged off or the password protected automatic screen saver activates.
Inform nursing personnel of new admissions, their expected time of arrival, room assignment, etc.
Ensure that rooms are ready for new admissions.
Greet newly admitted residents upon admission and escort them to their rooms.
Participate in the orientation of new residents/family members to the facility.
Make rounds with physicians as necessary.
Requisition and arrange for diagnostic and therapeutic services, as ordered by the physician.
Consult with the resident’s physician in providing the resident’s care, treatment, rehabilitation, etc.
Review the resident’s chart for specific treatments, medication orders, diets, etc.
Implement and maintain established nursing objectives and standards.
Make periodic checks to ensure that prescribed treatments are being properly administered by certified nursing assistants and to evaluate the resident’s physical and emotional status.
Ensure that direct nursing care is provided by a licensed nurse, a certified nursing assistant, and/or a nurse aide trainee qualified to perform the procedure.
Cooperate with and coordinate social and activity programs with nursing service schedules.
Notify the resident’s attending physician when the resident is involved in an accident or incident.
Notify the resident’s attending physician and next of kin when there is a change in the resident’s condition.
Carry out restorative and rehabilitative programs, to include self-help and care.
Inspect the nursing service treatment areas daily to ensure that they are maintained in a clean and safe manner.
Administer professional services such as; catheterization, tube feedings, suction, applying and changing dressings/bandages, packs, colostomy, and drainage bags, taking blood, giving massages and range of motion exercises, care for the dead/dying, etc., as required.
Use restraints when necessary and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Obtain sputum, urine and other specimens for lab tests as ordered.
Take and record TPRs, blood pressures, etc., as necessary.
Monitor seriously ill residents as necessary.
Check foods brought into the facility by the resident’s family/visitors to ensure that it is within the resident’s dietary allowances.
Report problem areas to the Nurse Supervisor and Dietary Supervisor.
Ensure that personnel providing direct care to residents are providing such care in accordance with the resident’s care plan and wishes.
Ensure that residents who are unable to call for help are checked frequently.
Meet with residents, and/or family members, as necessary.
Assist in arranging transportation for discharged residents as necessary.
Ensure that discharged residents are escorted to the pick-up area.
Inform family members of the death of the resident.
Call funeral homes when requested by the family.
Ensure that established post-mortem procedures are followed.
Participate in developing, planning, conducting, and scheduling in-service training classes.
Implement and maintain an effective orientation program for new employees.
Assist in standardizing the methods in which work will be accomplished.
Assist in training department personnel in identifying tasks that involve potential exposure to blood/body fluids.
Assist the Director in planning clinical supervision for nurse aide trainees.
Attend and participate in outside training programs.
Attend and participate in annual facility in-service training programs.
Attend and participate in advance directive in-service training programs.
Attend and participate in continuing education programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as to maintain your license.
Monitor your assigned personnel to ensure that they are following established safety regulations.
Ensure that established departmental policies and procedures, including dress codes, are followed by your assigned nursing personnel.
Assist the Director and/or Infection Control Coordinator in identifying, evaluating, and classifying routine and job-related functions to ensure that tasks with potential exposure to blood/body fluids are properly identified and recorded.
Ensure that all personnel performing tasks that involve potential exposure to blood/body fluids participate in appropriate in-service training programs.
Ensure that an adequate supply of personal protective equipment is on hand and readily available.
Ensure that your assigned work areas are maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.
Ensure that your unit’s resident care rooms, treatment areas, etc., are maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner.
Ensure that your assigned personnel follow established handwashing and hand hygiene technique.
Ensure that your assigned personnel participate in and conduct all fire safety and disaster preparedness drills.
Participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the infection control program.
Ensure that your assigned personnel follow established infection control procedures when isolation precautions become necessary.
Ensure that nursing personnel follow established procedures in the use and disposal of personal protective equipment.
Participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of the procedures for reporting hazardous conditions or equipment.
Ensure that all personnel wear and/or use safety equipment and supplies when lifting or moving residents.
Report missing/illegible labels and MSDSs to the safety officer or other designated person.
Recommend to the Nurse Supervisor the equipment and supply needs of your unit/shift.
Ensure that an adequate stock level of medications, medical supplies, equipment, etc., is maintained on your unit/shift at all times.
Participate in the development and implementation of the procedures for the safe operation of all nursing service equipment.
Ensure that only trained and authorized personnel operate your unit/shift’s equipment.
Ensure that all personnel operate nursing service equipment in a safe manner.
Monitor nursing procedures to ensure that nursing service supplies are used in an efficient manner to avoid waste.
Ensure that appropriate MSDSs are on file for hazardous chemicals used in the nursing service department.
Review care plans daily to ensure that appropriate care is being rendered.
Ensure that your nurses’ notes reflect that the care plan is being followed when administering nursing care or treatment.
Review resident care plans for appropriate resident goals, problems, approaches, and revisions based on nursing needs.
Ensure that your assigned certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are aware of the resident care plans.
Ensure that the CNAs refer to the resident’s care plan prior to administering daily care to the resident.
Assist the Resident Assessment/Care Plan Coordinator in planning, scheduling, and revising the MDS, including the implementation of RAPs and Triggers.
Report suspected or known incidence of fraud relative to false billings, cost reports, kickbacks, etc.
Provide data to the Quality Assurance & Assessment Committee as requested.