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Mds Nursing Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

MDS Nurse

West Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$35.25 - $46.25/hr

The MDS Coordinator is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities which are ... Implements established performance standard of nursing practice and facility policies and ...

REMOTE MDS Coordinator

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท Remote

$33.75 - $43/hr

This role requires a RN license, LPN will not meet the minimum qualifications. What do we offer you ... MDS scheduling and coordinating to ensure timeliness of assigned sections of MDS per RAI guidelines ...

REMOTE MDS Coordinator

Carlisle, IA ยท On-site +1

$33.25 - $42.50/hr

This role requires a RN license, LPN will not meet the minimum qualifications. What do we offer you ... MDS scheduling and coordinating to ensure timeliness of assigned sections of MDS per RAI guidelines ...

REMOTE MDS Coordinator

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site +1

$33.75 - $43/hr

This role requires a RN license, LPN will not meet the minimum qualifications. What do we offer you ... MDS scheduling and coordinating to ensure timeliness of assigned sections of MDS per RAI guidelines ...

REMOTE MDS Coordinator

Carlisle, IA ยท Remote

$33.25 - $42.50/hr

This role requires a RN license, LPN will not meet the minimum qualifications. What do we offer you ... MDS scheduling and coordinating to ensure timeliness of assigned sections of MDS per RAI guidelines ...

REMOTE MDS Coordinator

Carlisle, IA ยท Remote

$33.25 - $42.50/hr

This role requires a RN license, LPN will not meet the minimum qualifications. What do we offer you ... MDS scheduling and coordinating to ensure timeliness of assigned sections of MDS per RAI guidelines ...

REMOTE MDS Coordinator

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท Remote

$33.75 - $43/hr

This role requires a RN license, LPN will not meet the minimum qualifications. What do we offer you ... MDS scheduling and coordinating to ensure timeliness of assigned sections of MDS per RAI guidelines ...

MDS Nurse-RN

Waterloo, IA ยท On-site

$36.75 - $44.25/hr

Provides PDPM and MDS training to new MDS Coordinators. Assesses and determines the health status ... Must be in good standing with the State Board of Nursing and maintain all required continuing ...

RN/LPN:MDS/Infection control

Muscatine, IA ยท On-site

$33.50 - $44/hr

... nursing. Seniors enjoy carefree and maintenance-free living along with a variety of social ... MDS experience is required. We look forward to hearing from you! Qualifications Must have a current ...

MDS Coordinator

Clarion, IA ยท On-site

$30.75 - $39.25/hr

Provides direct nursing care as necessary. * Prepares for and participates in facility surveys ... Utilizes MDS Scheduler to plan and set MDS Assessment Reference Dates (ARDs). * Communicates ARD ...

RN/LPN:MDS/Infection control

Muscatine, IA ยท On-site

$33.50 - $44/hr

... nursing. Seniors enjoy carefree and maintenance-free living along with a variety of social ... MDS experience is required. We look forward to hearing from you! Qualifications Must have a current ...

MDS Coordinator

Sigourney, IA

$31.75 - $40.50/hr

Sigourney Health Care is hiring an MDS Coordinator/Floor Nurse. Apply today! IMG is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable MDS Coordinator who will coordinate our facility's RAI process in ...

MDS Coordinator

Sigourney, IA ยท On-site

$31.75 - $40.50/hr

Sigourney Health Care is hiring an MDS Coordinator/Floor Nurse. Apply today! IMG is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable MDS Coordinator who will coordinate our facility's RAI process in ...

MDS Coordinator

Elk Horn, IA ยท On-site

$33.25 - $42.25/hr

Completes nursing portion of MDS and reviews for completion and validity of entire process. Queries other members for accuracy of MDS; and provides final quality check prior to MDS transmission.

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Mds Nursing information

See Iowa salary details

$18

$38

$59

How much do mds nursing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for mds nursing in Iowa is $38.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.31 and $42.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an MDS nurse?

MDS nurses, or Minimum Data Set nurses, are specialized registered nurses who are responsible for assessing the clinical needs of residents in long-term care facilities. They collect, organize, and analyze patient data to ensure accurate documentation for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. MDS nurses play a key role in care planning, regulatory compliance, and improving the quality of care for residents. Their work helps facilities remain in compliance with federal and state regulations while ensuring residents receive appropriate care.

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

To thrive as an MDS Nurse, you need a solid background in nursing, comprehensive knowledge of Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments, and a valid RN or LPN license. Familiarity with MDS software, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and CMS regulations is essential, and certifications like RAC-CT (Resident Assessment Coordinator - Certified) are highly valued. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for accurately assessing residents and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure regulatory compliance, maximize reimbursement, and promote high-quality resident care in long-term care settings.

What are some common challenges MDS nurses face when coordinating with interdisciplinary teams?

MDS Nurses often encounter challenges in gathering timely and accurate information from various departments, such as therapy, dietary, and social services, to complete assessments. Coordinating schedules and ensuring consistent communication can be difficult, especially in fast-paced or understaffed environments. Developing strong relationships with team members and establishing clear processes are key to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring accurate, timely submissions of MDS assessments.

What is the difference between Mds Nursing vs Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?

AspectMds NursingLicensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, specialized training in MDS assessmentsLicensed Practical Nurse license, basic nursing training
Work EnvironmentSkilled nursing facilities, long-term care, hospitalsLong-term care facilities, clinics, nursing homes
Job ResponsibilitiesConduct MDS assessments, coordinate care plans, ensure complianceBasic patient care, medication administration, vital signs

While both roles work in long-term care settings, Mds Nursing focuses on conducting comprehensive assessments and care planning using MDS tools, requiring RN licensure. LPNs provide direct patient care with less emphasis on assessments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job fit.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Mds Nursing jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Mds Nursing jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Mds Nursing job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,009 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

MDS Nurse

Pine Acres Rehabilitation

West Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$35.25 - $46.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Join the Pine Acres Team!! Resident Assesment Coordinator / MDS Nurse Summary:

Conducts and coordinates the completion of required Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) and is responsible for the implementation and ongoing evaluation of each resident’s comprehensive plan of care.

Resident Assessment Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities:

The MDS Coordinator is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities which are considered essential functions of the position.

  • Cultivates relationships with residents, families, staff, and visitors, fosters a vibrant work environment/culture and promotes Pine Acres Rehabilitation & Care Center’s mission, vision, values and goals.

  • Accurate completion of all MDS assessments and any supporting assessments or clinical documentation.

  • Auditing medical records for the presence of supporting documentation for all items coded on the MDS.

  • Provide education to department heads, physicians, and other staff as needed.

  • Schedules the Assessment Reference Dates (ARDs) for payment assessments in a manner that accurately captures each resident’s clinical characteristics for payment classification purposes.

  • Communicates with the IDT to identify residents in need of a Significant Change in Status assessment,

  • Implements established performance standard of nursing practice and facility policies and procedures.

  • Conducts resident care conference with facility personnel providing direct care.

  • Maintain resident information and internal affairs in strict confidence.

  • Assists with admission, discharge, or care of residents as needed.

  • Performs duties of Staff Nurse whenever and wherever required. 

  • Accepts on-call for emergencies that the Charge Nurses and/or Nurse Managers cannot resolve.

Resident Assessment Coordinator / MDS Nurse Benefits:
  • Daily Pay!

  • Medical Insurance

  • Vision Insurance

  • Dental insurance

  • Disability insurance

  • Employee assistance program

  • Flexible spending account

  • Health savings account

  • Life insurance

  • Paid time off

  • Sick time off

  • Referral program

  • Vision insurance

  • 401K

Resident Assessment Coordinator / MDS Nurse Qualifications:Education
  • Graduate of an approved school of nursing.

  • Registered nurse or ability and willingness to attain preferred.

  • Must have current licensure in the State of Iowa or the ability to attain licensure.

  • Resident Assessment Coordinator (RAC) training must be completed within six months of hire. RAC Certification is preferred.

  • Active and current CPR certification

Work Experience

  • Minimum of 2-years supervisory experience in a hospital or post-acute care facility, including geriatric and/or psychiatric nursing.

  • Training in rehabilitative and restorative nursing care.

  • Minimum of 2-years MDS and care plan experience is preferred by not required.

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