7 Key MDS Nurse Interview Questions to Ask

Minimum data set (MDS) coordinators — commonly referred to as MDS nurses — help ensure post-acute facilities maintain federal funding. They accomplish this by acting as care coordinators within the interdisciplinary team, assessing treatment regimens and documentation for regulatory compliance and adherence to reimbursement guidelines.

For nurses leaving the bedside in search of more lenient schedules and better work-life balance, the MDS coordinator position is an appealing next career step. A great job description can effectively market your needs and help you quickly grow your candidate pool. In this article, we’ll highlight seven key MDS nurse interview questions to make certain you find the best fit for your facility.

For more insight into the current job market, check out the latest MDS nurse openings on our job board. If you’re ready to begin your interviews, we’ve got you covered with some of the most crucial questions and a printable evaluation form to help you rate answers and compare candidates.

7 MDS Nurse Interview Questions

Interview questions for the MDS nurse have to do quite a bit of heavy lifting. They need to establish that a candidate has an eye for detail and a good mixture of relevant personal and professional experience to do the job effectively. Find your perfect candidate with these seven questions.

1. What qualities and past experiences do you bring to this job?

Not all candidates will have prior experience specifically as an MDS nurse. That doesn’t mean they don’t bring relevant skills to the table. Asking the candidate for the qualities and experiences they offer highlights how nurses from different backgrounds can help you achieve your facility’s goals.

What to listen for:

• Experiences with specific examples that reflect the necessary clinical and communication skills
• A strong attention to detail, with stories that demonstrate a commitment to honing this skill

Potential follow-up questions:

• Do you have any additional strengths that would make you a great MDS nurse?
• How does this role align with your future goals?

2. Can you explain the role of an MDS nurse with examples of expected duties?

The best MDS nurse interview questions, and answers given by candidates, will yield invaluable insights into their knowledge base and how long their training and orientation process might last. If a potential hire is clear-eyed about what the job entails, they’re likely to onboard faster and begin contributing to your team’s productivity earlier.

What to listen for:

• An awareness of the role’s specific responsibilities and expectations
• Ability to speak to governing regulations and, ideally, an overview of compliance standards

Potential follow-up questions:

• What would a typical day as an MDS nurse look like?
• Are there any aspects of this job that intimidate you? What steps do you plan on taking to tackle that learning curve?

3. How do you stay current with evolving healthcare regulations?

It’s no secret that healthcare is an ever-changing field. An MDS nurse’s success relies on a thorough comprehension of regulatory compliance and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement standards.

What to listen for:

• Participation in educational experiences such as conferences and continuing education courses
• Interest in professional development opportunities, like the resident assessment coordinator-certified program

Potential follow-up questions:

• Can you give examples of how you can ensure CMS compliance for our facility?
• Which specific news outlets or healthcare-related newsletters do you follow for regulatory and best practice updates?

4. What’s your process for identifying and handling data discrepancies?

A great candidate will focus on the necessity of prioritizing a proactive approach to data quality and double checking documentation. But they should also be able to speak to the complexity and urgency of fixing incorrect or incomplete data once it’s been filed with CMS.

What to listen for:

• A proactive, method-based approach to data validation and auditing
• An understanding of CMS procedures and correction processes for incorrect or incomplete documentation

Potential follow-up questions:

• Do you utilize any specific tools or strategies for ensuring the accuracy of data prior to submitting?
• Describe potential staff training opportunities you’d like to spearhead to prevent charting errors from occuring.

5. Tell me about a time you flagged noncompliance with charting or care measures. How did you handle that situation?

Nobody wants to be told they may have to redo work they thought was finished — and this is especially true in fast-paced, stressful environments like healthcare. MDS nurse interview questions like this one assess a candidate’s comfort with navigating these tricky situations.

What to listen for:

• Communication devices like the “sandwich” approach to improve the conversation’s effectiveness
• An awareness of the importance of prior relationship and rapport establishment to lend credibility to and acceptance of remedial suggestions

Potential follow-up questions:

• Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to give feedback to a coworker who had more authority than you within your organization?
• How can you help educate your team (beyond formal training sessions) on updated regulation standards and CMS reimbursement guidelines?

6. Tell me about a time when you experienced conflict with a healthcare team member. How did you resolve the issue?

Effective MDS nurse interview questions must evaluate the candidate’s ability to navigate and resolve conflict. In a high-pressure job that relies on interdisciplinary auditing, conflict is an inevitability that facility leadership and the candidate need to prepare for in order to mitigate its potential impacts.

What to listen for:

• Measured language choices and tone, reflecting the candidate’s ability to maintain professionalism during conflict
• Willingness to utilize resources and involve leadership where necessary to achieve resolution

Potential follow-up questions:

• How do you approach constructive feedback differently with coworkers who struggle with perceived criticism?
• What steps would you take if a conflict began to escalate beyond your comfort level?

7. What do you consider your top three professional successes, and why?

For all nurses, but especially the MDS, interview questions and answers should end on a positive note. Focusing on a candidate’s successes ensures they leave the interview feeling confident and inspired to work with you. Using this specific question also helps establish professional values and how they may align with your organization’s mission.

What to listen for:

• Professional pride and willingness to tackle challenges
• A focus on improving patient outcomes and career wins that mirror your organization’s priorities

Potential follow-up questions:

• Are there any challenges you’re looking forward to within this role?
• How do you think this job will contribute to further successes and career advancement?

Connect With Top Nursing Candidates Today

Looking for candidates who can answer all of your MDS nurse interview questions with confidence? Intelycare can help you reach the right professionals faster. Expedite your hiring process and connect with millions of vetted, qualified nurses who are actively seeking the next step in their careers.