MDS Special Projects

The MDS Special Projects Nurse (LPN) is responsible for supporting skilled nursing centers through focused MDS process improvement initiatives. This role partners directly with facility leadership, MDS teams, nursing staff, and interdisciplinary care teams to improve the accuracy and consistency of BIMS assessments, PHQ interviews, depression coding, and Section GG scoring.

The MDS Special Projects Nurse will travel to centers as needed to assess current practices, conduct audits, provide education, implement best practices, and establish sustainable processes that promote MDS accuracy, regulatory compliance, and reimbursement integrity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

MDS Auditing & Clinical Review

• Conduct focused audits of MDS assessments and supporting documentation.
• Review BIMS, PHQ interviews, depression coding, and Section GG documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Identify opportunities for improvement related to coding accuracy, assessment completion, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Ensure MDS documentation supports coded items and reimbursement outcomes.

Process Development & Implementation

• Evaluate current center processes and workflows related to resident assessments and MDS completion.
• Develop and implement standardized best practices for BIMS, PHQ, and Section GG completion.
• Establish sustainable systems that improve assessment accuracy and consistency across centers.
• Partner with facility leadership to implement corrective action and process improvement plans.

Education & Training

• Provide onsite coaching and education to MDS Coordinators, nurses, therapists, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Train staff on accurate administration of BIMS and PHQ interviews.
• Educate clinical teams on Section GG scoring requirements and documentation expectations.
• Support ongoing competency development through mentorship and hands-on training.

Collaboration & Support

• Serve as a resource and subject matter expert for MDS-related questions and process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with center leadership to address opportunities identified through audits and reviews.
• Assist centers in improving documentation practices that support quality outcomes and reimbursement accuracy.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and progress updates to leadership.

Required

• Current, active LPN license in good standing.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of MDS experience in a skilled nursing or long-term care setting.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • MDS 3.0
  • PDPM reimbursement methodology
  • BIMS assessments
  • PHQ interviews and depression coding
  • Section GG coding and documentation requirements
  • CMS regulations and compliance standards
• Experience conducting medical record reviews, MDS audits, and staff education.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel to assigned centers as needed.

Preferred

• RAC-CT certification.
• Experience supporting multiple facilities or special MDS projects.
• Background in clinical education, auditing, or performance improvement.

Salary : $80,000 - $95,000