RN MDS Coordinator

Primary Function

The purpose of this position is to coordinate the planning, organizing, directing, and managing of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Case Management System in order to assure clinical information submitted is in compliance with federal and state requirements. Must conduct and coordinate each MD's assessment with the appropriate participation of all other health professionals. To assure that the MDS system works appropriately per federal guidelines for the MDS system. The coordinator must sign and certify that all MDS assessments are completed and assure likewise of those health care professionals (part of the interdisciplinary MDS team) complete their portion of the MDS accurately. This position also is responsible to assure accuracy of data and timeliness of transmissions so there are no defaults noted.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

MDS Duties

• Interact with internal and external customers / clients in a polite and professional manner.
• Schedules or oversees scheduling of all resident MDS assessments, CAAS and Care Plans to assure timeliness in their completion and submission to CMS.
• Must maintain audit duties, filing, and computer data entry as required.
• Must follow set procedures to protect medical record information
• Maintains liaison with other departments, agencies, organizations, and community resources in determining appropriate resource utilization.
• Coordinates and oversees all functions of the MDS assessment and Care Plan process to assure compliance with Federal, State, and Tribal requirements as to content, etc.
• Actively works with case managers in scheduling core plan meetings.
• Files medical records promptly and accurately.
• Completes required reports as requested or as needed as part of the survey process (672/802 reports, etc.).
• Consistently works cooperatively with residents, residents' representatives, facility staff, physicians, consultants and ancillary providers.
• Assumes duties related to record review and data collection to verify Quality Indicators as assigned, prints and distributes QI reports monthly and follows up on action plans as required.
• Assumes accountability for all data contained in employees' handbook.
• Ability to understand and comply with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations and requirements.
• Comes to work in neat, clean attire, and consistently presents an appearance in an appropriate professional manner.
• Comes to work as scheduled and consistently demonstrates dependability and punctuality.
• Performs duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Answers telephone and directs calls to the appropriate individual and/or answers questions concerning residents' units.
• Prepares monthly reports as designated.

RN floor Duties

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

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications

• Current license as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina required.
• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing required.
• Minimum one year nursing experience required and at least six months MDS/Care Planning and long-term care experience required or 3 years of work-related experience in Long Term Care may qualify for proficiency requirements.
• Valid NC driver’s license required.
• Position requires program proficiency upon hire.
• Must have knowledge of the MDS/Care Plan Process and communication skills to relay medical information to members of the facility and other services of the facility.

Job Knowledge

• Must have thorough knowledge of the office procedures, policies and guidelines of the Cherokee Indian Hospital, Health and Medical Division and the Tsali Care Center Services Program.
• Must have thorough knowledge of the 3.0 MDS system software Point Click Care that is used by Tsali Care Center.
• Computer knowledge and utilization are mandatory, must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Windows, Excel Spreadsheets, Word, etc.
• Must be able to use other office equipment; i.e. calculator, telephone, copy machine, facsimile machine, postage machine, and other office equipment as required.
• Must have the ability to write routine reports and correspondence effectively.
• Requires the ability to organize work, deal effectively with the public, communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, follow instructions, and work independently or as a member of a group.
• Requires the ability to maintain medical records.
• Must be able to collate and compile data; and prepare reports and summaries.
• Must possess a practical knowledge of the facilities organization and services, the basic rules and regulations governing visitors and resident treatment, practical knowledge of standard procedures, medical records, and medical terminology.
• Requires the ability to legibly document and maintain clinical records, files, reports and logs.
• Must have an understanding of the EBCI culture, lifestyles and risk factors.

Contact with Others

Interacts frequently with coworkers, residents, and other health care professionals both in person and by phone. Daily contacts with residents, their friends and their families for the purpose of exchanging information, gathering data, and providing assistance. Frequent contact with medical equipment suppliers both in person and by phone. Tact, courtesy, and professional conduct are required to maintain positive working relationships. Cultural sensitivity to residents’ needs is required.

Confidential Data:

All data is considered highly confidential and strict adherence to all applicable tribal confidentiality policies, procedures and guidelines is required, including but not limited to Indian Health Service regulations on Privacy, 42 CFR HIPPA, Code of Conduct, and any applicable industry standards. Improper handling of confidential information could result in damage to patient relations, professional reputation, and credibility of the program. Has access to all patient files, which are considered confidential and privileged. Has access to all division files, memos, contract proposals, budget information, personnel, all of which would be considered confidential. May, at times, be involved with projects requiring access to patient information, which is highly confidential. Damage to program reputation and ill will could result from unauthorized disclosures of information.

Mental/Visual/Physical Environment

Close attention to detail and mental concentration are required while performing clerical duties. Subject to frequent interruptions requiring varied responses, which can cause distractions. Work is mostly sedentary, yet requires walking, standing, bending, and carrying light items such as files and manuals.

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds and carry 5 pounds on a repetitive basis.

Work Environment

Work is in an office environment with frequent exposure to communicable diseases. Following established protocol should prevent the likelihood of transfer of disease or infection. The role is performed mostly within the Tsali Care Center. Disagreeable elements include dealing with stressful residents, personnel, physicians, and patients’ families. Must possess stamina to withstand and function effectively under stress.

Responsibility for Accuracy

Attention to detail and accuracy in data/facts required.

Resourcefulness & Initiative

Follows well defined policies, procedures, Privacy Act guidelines, and standards practiced in most duties. The supervisor provides specific, detailed guidelines covering all assignments. The employee does not deviate from guidelines unless authorized. Judgment and initiative are required to maintain accuracy, complete tasks efficiently and follow through on recurring assignments. Must be resourceful and communicate effectively in order to respond appropriately to various situations. Work is primarily reviewed in terms of overall quality and efficiency of service provided to residents.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service