Re: number of mds's...

[Holly Sox, RN, RAC-C]

I think it really depends upon the individual MDS coordinator, as well as what other roles s/he is expected to perform. You should also consider the mix of OBRA/PPS assessments.   When I started my current position, (yes, I am still here for now) we had an average Medicare census of 8-10. There are 118 beds. There wasn't a big sense of urgency involving admissions, so there were rarely weeks with more than 1 or 2 admissions. Over the 1st 6 months I was there,  the Med A census increased to average 15-20. We peaked in June last year at 28.  Then I was also "asked" (commanded) to oversee admissions.  And to take call every 3-4 weekends. And to manage a 20 bed secure unit.   That's too much for 2 people, unbelievable for 1. When I am just doing MDS and care plans, I can just manage to stay ahead of compliance. There is no room for delays, vacation, or sick days, because there had been no one else in the facility that even knew how to read an MDS.   I can see having guidelines, but standards of practice would be extremely difficult to define, much less expect conformity.  Some coworkers of mine were outstanding when managing 50 beds, but would have sunk with 75.   Others would become bored and sloppy if they had less than 60 to follow.   Holly Holly F. Sox, RN, RAC-C  Clinical Editor, Careplans.com www.careplans.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- Original Message ----- From: June Brunelle To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2004 9:03 AM Subject: Re: number of mds's... To the individual who indicates all alone with 110 residents...how is this working for you?   ie...is it effective?  And,  are you actually involved in the coding or do you act as a coordinator as it relates to overseeing that the process is completed?  I am hearing from the group that 60 residents per MDS person is more reasonable while also taking into consideration that it is the # of MDS's.  How many folks feel that there needs to be a standard of practice regulated(limits,guidelines) as are with DONS and Administrators? June ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, March 12, 2004 9:48 PM Subject: Re: number of mds's... In a message dated 3/12/2004 8:32:29 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: That's too much. It should be about 60 resident per mds staff person. Source please. I have 110+ all alone.