An MDS nurse, also known as a Minimum Data Set nurse or Nurse Assessment Coordinator, is a healthcare professional primarily responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments of residents in long-term care facilities, collecting data on their health needs using a standardized "Minimum Data Set" form, and utilizing that information to develop personalized care plans, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and optimizing Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement for the facility; they often collaborate with other healthcare team members to coordinate resident care and advocate for their well-being.