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Exempt Mds Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

MDS Coordinator

Waterloo, IA ยท On-site

$32 - $40.75/hr

MDS Coordinator Classification Exempt Reports to Director of Nursing and Administrator Summary/Objective In keeping with our organization's goal of improving the lives of the Guests we serve, the MDS ...

Registered Nurse (RN)

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$29.84 - $35.30/hr

Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: SC Description Performs nursing care to the residents of Sunnycrest ... Participates in development of Minimum Data Set (MDS) Assessment and the formal care planning ...

Registered Nurse (RN)

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$29.84 - $35.30/hr

Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: SC Description Performs nursing care to the residents of Sunnycrest ... Participates in development of Minimum Data Set (MDS) Assessment and the formal care planning ...

Exempt Mds information

See Iowa salary details

$21

$35

$49

How much do exempt mds jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for exempt mds in Iowa is $35.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.91 and $39.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are exempt Mds?

Exempt MDS (Minimum Data Set) positions typically refer to roles within healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes, where the employee is responsible for assessing and coordinating care for residents using the federally mandated MDS assessment tool. The term 'exempt' means the position is salaried and not eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act. These professionals, often called MDS Coordinators, play a crucial role in ensuring accurate documentation for compliance and reimbursement purposes. They collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop care plans and submit required data to regulatory agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an MDS coordinator?

To thrive as an MDS Coordinator, you need a strong background in nursing, detailed knowledge of Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments, and relevant licensure such as an RN or LPN. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and specialized MDS software, as well as RAC-CT certification, is often required. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing assessments and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure accurate documentation, regulatory compliance, and optimized care planning for residents in long-term care settings.

What are some common challenges faced by exempt MDS coordinators when managing multiple patient assessments, and how can they be addressed?

Exempt MDS Coordinators often juggle multiple patient assessments and strict deadlines, which can be challenging, especially when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Staying organized and maintaining clear communication with nursing staff, therapists, and physicians are essential to ensure timely and accurate data collection. Utilizing electronic health record systems efficiently and establishing regular check-ins with team members can help manage workload and prevent errors. Prioritizing tasks and seeking support from supervisors can also alleviate stress during high-volume periods.

What is the difference between Exempt Mds vs Non-Exempt Mds?

AspectExempt MdsNon-Exempt Mds
Overtime EligibilityNot eligible for overtime payEligible for overtime pay
Work HoursTypically work more flexible hours without overtime concernsWork standard hours with overtime compensation when applicable
CredentialsLicensed Medical Doctors (MDs) with specific certificationsLicensed Medical Doctors (MDs) with similar credentials
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, private practicesHospitals, clinics, private practices

Exempt Mds are generally not eligible for overtime and often have flexible schedules, while Non-Exempt Mds qualify for overtime pay and work standard hours. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but their pay and hours differ based on employment classification.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mds jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Mds jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Exempt Mds jobs in Iowa?

For Exempt Mds jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Exempt Mds jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Exempt Mds job openings:

Infographic showing various Exempt Mds job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,143 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

MDS Coordinator

Harmony Waterloo

Waterloo, IA โ€ข On-site

$32 - $40.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

MDS Coordinator

Classification
Exempt

Reports to

Director of Nursing and Administrator

Summary/Objective
In keeping with our organization’s goal of improving the lives of the Guests we serve, the MDS Coordinator plays a critical role in providing leadership in the management of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and utilization management process in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards.

Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations, as well as professional standards.

2. Assist with the development of comprehensive care plans for Guests in coordination with the MDS that accurately addresses the needs of the Guest.

3. Coordinate, manage and monitor the written plan of care for each Guest of the facility that identifies the needs of the Guest and goals to be accomplished for each need.

4. Assist nursing management with the coordination, management, and review of nurse’s notes to determine if the care plan is being followed.

5. Monitor Guest status changes to ensure appropriate and timely nursing or clinical tem involvement.

6. Assure MDS and support documentation are accurate representation of the Guest and meet regulatory and auditor requirements.

7. Perform regular audits of documentation to assure accuracy.

8. Assist nursing management with the discharge process.

9. Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms and reports.

10. Assure that established infection control and standard precaution practices are maintained when providing care. Follow established safety precautions when preforming tasks and using equipment and supplies.

11. Maintains strict confidentiality regarding sensitive health information of Guests.

12. Reports all hazardous conditions, damaged equipment and supply issues to appropriate persons.

13. Maintains the comfort, privacy and dignity of Guests and interacts with them in a manner that displays warmth, respect and promotes a caring environment.

14. Answer and respond to call lights promptly and courteously when working in Guest care areas.

15. Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with Guests, visitors, families, peers and supervisors.

16. Attend and participate in departmental meetings and in-services as directed.

17. Recognize your role as part of the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) efforts of your organization.

18. Attend trainings to build understanding and capacity to undertake QAPI work.

19. Carry out QAPI roles and responsibilities as assigned.

20. Follow established policies and procedures in support of QAPI efforts.

21. Look for and share with leadership ideas for improvement in the organization.

22. Communicate to leadership upon witnessing a positive outcome of a QAPI project or detecting barriers preventing project success.

23. Support QAPI efforts both verbally and non-verbally (i.e., via actions and attitude), including adjusting performance and practice in accordance with QAPI initiatives and findings.

24. Participate in compliance trainings as scheduled and adhere to compliance plan.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment
This job operates in a health care setting. This role requires regular walking to various locations around the facility. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

This role may also come into contact with Guests who may have contagious illnesses.

Physical Demands
while performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This position is part of a health care facility that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

Travel
No travel is expected for this position.

Required Education and Experience

Current State License as a Registered Nurse

C.P.R. Certified

Preferred Education and Experience

One year experience as an R.N. in a long term care setting.

One year experience as a C.N.A.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Knowledge and training in all aspects of MDS process.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Harmony Waterloo never requests or sends money, payment transfers, direct deposit, or Social Security Number (SSN) information as part of their recruitment process.