Minimum Data Set (MDS) Nurse Job Description Template

Ensuring patient safety is a priority for all healthcare facilities. As reimbursement guidelines and regulatory requirements change, it’s important to have responsible team members in place to make sure your facility is compliant. As a key member of a healthcare facility’s staff, a minimum data set (MDS) nurse collects and submits data from nursing homes to ensure the high-quality care necessary for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.

The following MDS nurse job description template highlights the education, skills, and experience necessary for hiring a top-tier MDS nurse. You can pair this template with targeted interview questions to hire the best person for your team. Take a look at our listings for MDS nurse jobs for additional insights into how other employers are advertising their openings. The following template, with tips specific to each section of your job description, will help you showcase your facility and recruit the applicants most worthy of the job.

Minimum Data Set (MDS) Nurse

Tips: What is an MDS job description, and what kinds of things should be included in the first section? You’ll typically begin with a brief introduction to the role and provide details on how this team member works as part of your organization. Including a summary of your company’s mission, vision, and values can help potential employees get a sense of what working at your facility is like.

Make sure to include details on the patient population your facility serves, and provide a short description of the duties and responsibilities of the MDS nurse in your particular setting. By outlining the needs of your facility and specifying unique benefits of working with your team, you can boast about the excellence of your company to qualified candidates interested in the job.

Template:

We’re looking for a minimum data set (MDS) nurse who can effectively communicate with the healthcare team, patients, and compliance agencies to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. The employee has experience working in long-term care facilities, and is familiar with electronic medical record (EMR) data and minimum data set (MDS) software. An ideal candidate is a professional, collaborative leader who works efficiently to ensure positive outcomes for patients.

When you join [insert facility name here], you’ll be helping current and future patients obtain the exceptional care they deserve. Learn more about our benefits, compensation, and scheduling requirements below and apply to join our team.

Benefits

Tips: This section of the MDS nurse job description provides an opportunity to show off. Listing incentives offered by your facility helps draw in competitive applicants, and a good benefits package is key to securing a deal with the perfect candidate.

Template:

• Competitive pay
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• FSA/HSA options
• 401(k) matching
• Free continuing education (CE) courses
• Flexible scheduling; work-from-home and hybrid options available
• Tuition reimbursement
• Scrub stipend

Duties and Responsibilities

Tips: Long-term care facilities differ in size and population served, and the contents of a hospital MDS nurse job description vary in accordance with each organization’s particular needs. In this section, you’ll detail clear expectations of the position, outlining any facility-specific responsibilities your company may demand of the employee.

Note: Some facilities may require clinical coverage of the MDS nurse, meaning that they would be expected to fill the staffing matrix to help provide bedside coverage in the case of a sick call or holiday. Make sure to outline any requirements for clinical care in this section.

Template:

The Minimum Data Set (MDS) Nurse duties include but are not limited to:

• Assessing and monitoring patient health to meet CMS compliance requirements
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating care plans using the nursing process to optimize patient wellbeing
• Communicating and collaborating with staff and patients to ensure appropriate care is given, addressing any incidents or complaints promptly
• Helping patients enroll in federally-funded Medicare and Medicaid health benefits
• Screening and approving patient applications for admission into the facility
• Updating policies and procedures in accordance with evolving legal requirements
• Integrating the mission, vision, and values of [insert facility name here] and demonstrating ethical behaviors expected of a [facility name] nurse

Compensation and Schedule

Tips: Transparency in this section of the MDS nurse job description is important, as many nurses are looking to see if the job is right for them based on the content listed here. Save your facility time and money by getting straight to the point — employees prefer honesty and clarity over ambiguity when it comes to salaries. Outlining schedule expectations and holiday shift requirements early prevents misunderstandings down the line.

Template:

• Starting salary at $74,000, with adjustments subject to education level and relevant leadership experience
• Full time employment, working Monday through Friday for 8-hour shifts (8a-4p)
• Potential for hybrid/remote working environment after the first 6 months of employment
• Overtime, incentive pay, and holiday pay available
• Bi-weekly or weekly pay periods

MDS Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Tips: What does it take to become an MDS nurse at your facility? Provide the required and preferred qualifications, making sure to note educational degree expectations, certification requirements, and professional background desired. You can also list any behavioral characteristics helpful for success in this role.

Template:

Required Qualifications:

• LPN or RN license (BSN candidates favored)
• BLS certified
• Minimum 2 years of experience working in an MDS role
• Working knowledge of MDS 3.0
• Creative problem solving abilities
• Experience documenting EHR data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Resident Assessment Coordinator Certified (RAC-CT)
• Previous experience as a bedside RN in a long-term care facility
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

• Notable previous hospital leadership roles
• Impeccable organization, time management, and critical-thinking skills

Call to Action

Tips: You’ve written an incredible MDS nurse coordinator job description — now all you need to do is help your candidates apply. Make it easy for employees to submit resumes and cover letters by linking the application directly to the job description. Placing a “call-to-action” button like “apply now” or “click here” can help guide potential applicants to the next step.

Template:

Ready to join our team as an MDS Nurse? Take your career to the next level — start today by clicking “apply now.” We look forward to hearing from you.

Hire the Right MDS Nurse and Build an Exceptional Team

After creating a well-written minimum data set (MDS) nurse job description, you’re well on your way to filling your facility’s open position. Start collecting high-quality applications by posting to IntelyCare’s nationwide, nursing-only job board today.