MDS/Nurse Consultant

MDS Consultant/ Nurse Consultant

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective

The MDS Coordinator/ Nurse Consultant provides MDS expertise and nurse consulting services to skilled nursing facilities and senior living clients. This full-time Registered Nurse role is primarily focused on MDS coordination, interim remote MDS coverage, and training MDS nurses, with additional responsibilities in mock surveys, quality assurance, and clinical risk management.

The position builds trusted client relationships, identifies service needs, and supports the growth of Cattail Nurse Consulting through education, referrals, and promotion of consulting solutions. This role supports the Company’s motto, “Tell the Truth. Work Hard. Have Fun!” and its goal of “Creating Raving Fans!”

Essential Functions

The following duties and responsibilities are not all-inclusive and may be expanded based on business necessity. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MDS Coordination and Interim Support

• Provide interim remote MDS coordination and on-site support as assigned to maintain continuity during vacancies, leave, and periods of increased need.
• Coordinate the MDS assessment process with facility leadership and interdisciplinary teams, including assessment schedules, completion, review, and submission.
• Review resident records and supporting documentation for accurate assessments and consistency with care needs and services provided.
• Identify assessment, coding, documentation, and scheduling concerns; communicate findings and assist facility teams with timely resolution.
• Support accurate reimbursement through complete, supportable documentation and appropriate MDS coding.
• Evaluate MDS workflows and recommend practical improvements in accuracy, efficiency, and communication.
• Maintain organized records of assignments, deadlines, findings, recommendations, and follow-up.

MDS Training and Education

• Train and mentor new MDS nurses through onboarding, coaching, case review, and ongoing education.
• Provide education to nursing and interdisciplinary teams on MDS processes, documentation, assessment accuracy, and care planning.
• Develop practical training materials and share relevant MDS updates with clients and coworkers.
• Assess learning needs and follow up to reinforce consistent application of training.

Nurse Consulting and Clinical Risk Management

• Conduct mock surveys, clinical risk assessments, documentation reviews, and operational reviews for client facilities.
• Identify quality-of-care concerns, clinical trends, and potential risk exposures; provide clear findings and actionable recommendations.
• Assist clients with quality assurance activities, corrective action plans, and follow-up to evaluate progress.
• Provide on-site and remote education focused on resident care, documentation, survey readiness, and risk reduction.
• Review clinical records and prepare summaries or analyses to support assigned risk management and claims-related projects.
• Collaborate with facility leadership, nursing staff, and internal consulting and risk management teams to address client needs.

Client Relationships and Business Development

• Hold hospitality as a top priority and provide responsive, professional service to clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with facility leaders, MDS nurses, referral sources, and agency partners.
• Identify opportunities for MDS support, nurse consulting, education, and related company services; communicate opportunities to the appropriate team.
• Explain the value of consulting services and participate in prospective client conversations, presentations, and service proposals as requested.
• Support marketing efforts through educational content, industry events, networking, and referrals.
• Collaborate with Producers, Account Managers, and consulting teams to expand service utilization and support client retention.
• Communicate project scope, progress, and follow-up needs; maintain timely service and activity records.

Education and Experience

• Registered Nurse with at least five years of MDS experience.
• Experience coordinating MDS assessments and working with interdisciplinary teams in skilled nursing or long-term care settings.
• Experience training or mentoring MDS nurses preferred.
• Nurse consulting, mock survey, quality assurance, and clinical risk management experience preferred.

Professional Licensure

• Current, active RN license and ability to maintain licensure appropriate to assigned work locations.
• RAC-CT certification preferred.
• Maintain required professional credentials and continuing education.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of MDS assessment, coding, documentation, care planning, and reimbursement processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply current guidance relevant to assigned MDS and nursing responsibilities.
• Strong clinical judgment, analytical skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and teaching skills.
• Strong client service, relationship-building, and consultative business development skills.
• Ability to manage multiple client assignments, prioritize deadlines, and work independently in remote and travel settings.
• Proficiency with electronic health records, MDS software, Microsoft Office, and remote collaboration tools.
• Ability to protect confidential resident, client, and company information.
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and ability to travel extensively.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform computer-based work, communicate with clients and teams, and review electronic and written records.
• Ability to move throughout client facilities and participate in on-site assessments, training, and meetings, with reasonable accommodation as needed.
• Ability to travel to assigned client sites and safely operate a motor vehicle when driving is required.

Work Environment

Work is performed remotely and at client facilities. The role involves regular interaction with healthcare professionals and facility leadership, independent work, competing deadlines, and exposure to healthcare environments. Travel may involve varying weather conditions.

Travel

• 100% travel/remote position, with assignments performed at client locations or remotely according to business and client needs.
• Extensive travel, including overnight and out-of-state travel, may be required.
• Schedule flexibility may be needed for client assignments, training, and time-sensitive support.

Department

Cattail Nurse Consulting / Consulting Services

Classification

Full-time
Exempt: ☐ Nonexempt: ☐

Reports To

Brenda Schmidt, Director of Nurse Consulting