RN MDS Nurse / Resident Assessment Coordinator (RAC)

The RN MDS Nurse at Wexford Healthcare Center is responsible for the accurate and timely completion of MDS assessments and coordination of the RAI process. This role includes overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care to ensure residents receive appropriate clinical services and that our facility remains compliant with regulatory guidelines. It's a pivotal position that helps the management team achieve quality outcomes and ensures that we provide top-notch care to our residents.

To become an RN MDS Nurse at CommuniCare, you must be a graduate of an accredited nursing school and hold a valid RN license in the state of employment. Ideally, candidates will have three years of experience in a long-term care environment and familiarity with the MDS/RAI process and case management. These qualifications ensure that you are well-prepared to manage assessments and coordinate care effectively.

At Wexford Healthcare Center, RN MDS Nurses enjoy a range of benefits that go beyond competitive wages. Full-time employees receive Paid Time Off, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability coverage, along with medical, dental, and vision insurance. Additionally, we offer a 401(k) plan with employer matching, and flexible spending accounts to support your financial wellness.

The RN MDS Nurse plays a crucial role in patient care at CommuniCare by ensuring that residents receive tailored clinical services through thorough assessments. This role helps facilitate effective care planning and rehabilitation while also ensuring compliance with regulations, which positively impacts the quality of life for residents. The proactive involvement of MDS Nurses is vital in maintaining high standards of care in our facilities.

Yes, experience with MDS/RAI processes is highly preferred for the RN MDS Nurse position at Wexford Healthcare Center. Familiarity with these processes enables the nurse to complete assessments accurately and efficiently while coordinating care that meets both clinical and regulatory standards. This experience is essential for ensuring that residents receive appropriate interventions and support.

When discussing your experience with the MDS/RAI process, emphasize specific roles you have held involving assessments. Mention the number of assessments you’ve completed, any challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. It's great to include examples of how your work contributed to positive outcomes for residents.

Highlight your knowledge of regulatory requirements and your approach to staying updated with changes in regulations. Discuss any procedures you follow to adhere to compliance and give examples of how you've successfully maintained standards in previous roles.

Share your experience working in interdisciplinary teams. Discuss specific strategies you utilize to communicate clearly and maintain a collaborative environment that focuses on high-quality patient care, such as regular meetings, shared goals, and open lines of communication.

Describe specific techniques you use to manage stress effectively, such as staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and practicing self-care. Mention any tools or resources that help you maintain focus during busy periods, and provide examples of how you've succeeded in stressful times.

Reflect on the significance of accurate patient assessment and the ability to advocate for residents’ needs. Discuss how you view the role as integral to delivering quality care and ensuring compliance, as well as the importance of teamwork in achieving this.

Prepare a specific example that demonstrates your initiative. Talk about the problem, the steps you took to analyze and improve a process, and the positive outcomes that resulted. This shows your ability to positively impact your work environment.

Discuss your methods for staying informed, such as attending workshops, participating in online forums, or subscribing to relevant publications. Highlight your proactive approach to understanding new policies and how they can affect your practice.

Share personal anecdotes or experiences that have drawn you to long-term care, emphasizing your passion for patient-centered care and the relationships you build with residents and their families. Your motivation can be a strong reflection of your fit for the role.

Emphasize the importance of communication and conflict resolution skills. Discuss how you would approach the situation calmly, seeking to understand the other person’s perspective, and how you would collaborate to reach a resolution that prioritizes resident care.

Talk about your philosophy on training and mentorship, focusing on the importance of thorough, approachable guidance. Provide details about any previous experiences you have in training roles and how you support new staff in becoming confident in the MDS processes.