RN MDS Coordinator

About the Role

The purpose of this position is to coordinate the planning, organizing, directing, and managing of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Case Management System to ensure clinical information submitted complies with federal and state requirements. The coordinator conducts and coordinates each MDS assessment with the appropriate participation of all health professionals, certifies the accuracy and completeness of MDS assessments, and ensures timely and accurate data transmission to avoid defaults.

Responsibilities

MDS Duties

• Interact with internal and external customers/clients in a polite and professional manner.
• Schedule or oversee scheduling of all resident MDS assessments, CAAs, and Care Plans to ensure timely completion and submission to CMS.
• Maintain audit duties, filing, and computer data entry as required, following procedures to protect medical record information.
• Maintain liaison with other departments, agencies, organizations, and community resources to determine appropriate resource utilization.
• Coordinate and oversee all functions of the MDS assessment and Care Plan process to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Tribal requirements.
• Actively work with case managers in scheduling core plan meetings.
• File medical records promptly and accurately.
• Complete required reports as requested or needed for the survey process (e.g., 672/802 reports).
• Consistently work cooperatively with residents, residents' representatives, facility staff, physicians, consultants, and ancillary providers.
• Assume duties related to record review and data collection to verify Quality Indicators; print and distribute QI reports monthly and follow up on action plans as required.
• Assume accountability for all data contained in the employees' handbook.
• Understand and comply with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations and requirements.
• Present a professional appearance and maintain dependability and punctuality.
• Perform duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Answer telephone calls and direct them appropriately or answer questions concerning residents' units.
• Prepare monthly reports as designated.

RN Floor Duties

• Attend all mandatory in-service/educational programs as scheduled.
• Recognize and inform supervisor of unusual or difficult nursing care problems and utilize problem-solving skills to suggest constructive changes.
• Participate in QA and Performance Improvement projects as assigned.
• Demonstrate safe practices by using proper body mechanics, following policies for sharp/dangerous material handling and disposal, and reporting or acting to correct unsafe conditions.
• Perform other duties assigned by supervisor to promote efficient operation of the Tsali Care Center.

Requirements

• Current license as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina.
• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
• Minimum one year of nursing experience and at least six months of MDS/Care Planning and long-term care experience, or three years of work-related experience in Long Term Care to qualify for proficiency requirements.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Program proficiency upon hire.
• Knowledge of the MDS/Care Plan Process and strong communication skills to relay medical information effectively.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of office procedures, policies, and guidelines of the Cherokee Indian Hospital, Health and Medical Division, and the Tsali Care Center Services Program.
• Thorough knowledge of the 3.0 MDS system software (Point Click Care) used by Tsali Care Center.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Excel Spreadsheets, Word, and other office equipment (e.g., calculator, telephone, copy machine, facsimile machine, postage machine).
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence effectively.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to deal effectively with the public, and communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently or as part of a group.
• Ability to maintain medical records, collate and compile data, and prepare reports and summaries.
• Practical knowledge of facility organization and services, medical records, medical terminology, and standard procedures.
• Ability to legibly document and maintain clinical records, files, reports, and logs.
• Understanding of the EBCI culture, lifestyles, and risk factors.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with frequent exposure to communicable diseases; established protocols minimize risk of infection.
• Mostly sedentary work, but requires walking, standing, bending, and carrying light items such as files and manuals.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds and carry 5 pounds repetitively.
• Subject to frequent interruptions and varied responses, which may cause distractions.
• Disagreeable elements include dealing with stressful situations involving residents, personnel, physicians, and patients' families.
• Requires stamina to function effectively under stress.

Confidentiality

All data is considered highly confidential. Strict adherence to tribal confidentiality policies, procedures, and guidelines is required, including but not limited to Indian Health Service regulations on Privacy, 42 CFR HIPAA, Code of Conduct, and industry standards. Unauthorized disclosure of information could result in damage to patient relations, professional reputation, and program credibility. Access includes patient files, division files, memos, contract proposals, budget information, and personnel records.

Interactions

• Frequent interaction with coworkers, residents, and other health care professionals both in person and by phone.
• Daily contact with residents, their friends, and families to exchange information, gather data, and provide assistance.
• Frequent contact with medical equipment suppliers.
• Requires tact, courtesy, professional conduct, and cultural sensitivity to maintain positive working relationships.