MDS (or minimum data set) nurses work in long-term care facilities where they assess and monitor patient health and well-being in accordance with federal guidelines. While most MDS nurses are registered nurses (RNs), they specialize in collecting patient data and compiling this information into reports for further research and assessment. These reports are also used to develop treatment plans and evaluate the pricing and effectiveness of the facility’s patient services.

The majority of the assessment and reporting activities that MDS nurses conduct are closely related to Medicare and Medicaid guidelines, but can also include gathering data to improve the facility’s practices and patient outcomes.

MDS Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

While an MDS nurse’s specific responsibilities can vary somewhat between facilities, many of their core duties remain the same:

Conduct Patient Assessments

One of the primary responsibilities of an MDS nurse is conducting patient assessments in accordance with federally mandated guidelines. These assessments examine patients’ physical and mental well-being, focusing on indicators that can predict patient risk. If the MDS nurse identifies risk, they may also conduct the Resident Assessment Protocol (RAP) for further information and care management.