Zakima Williams
Chester,VA
Summary
Compassionate and skilled Licensed Practical Nurse with over 17 years of experience in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and care coordination. Delivers high-quality patient-centered care while promoting safety, comfort, and optimal recovery outcomes. Skilled in completing patient assessments, medication administration, wound care, IV therapy, respiratory support, and infection control, with a strong focus on patient safety and quality care. Currently completing RN degree (expected December 2025) to expand clinical practice and assume greater responsibility in patient management and evidence-based nursing leadership roles.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Utilization Review Nurse
Centene Inc.
05.2024 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive utilization reviews for preauthorization, concurrent, and retrospective medical necessity, using InterQual and MCG guidelines to ensure compliance with utilization management standards.
- Collaborate with physicians, case managers, and medical directors to coordinate and justify continued stays and services.
- Ensure regulatory and payer compliance with documentation standards and timeliness.
- Demonstrate high accuracy and productivity within managed care systems.
- Conducted comprehensive reviews of clinical documentation to ensure compliance with utilization management standards.
Addiction Recovery Nurse
Iron Bridge Recovery Center
09.2023 - 02.2024
- Delivered compassionate nursing care to patients undergoing substance use recovery.
- Collected vitals, monitored withdrawal symptoms, and provided medication administration support under supervision.
- Collaborated with the interdisciplinary team to enhance safety and patient comfort.
- Accurately documented progress notes, interventions, and responses in EMR.
Utilization Review Nurse
Elevance Health
01.2022 - 09.2023
- Performed utilization management reviews to ensure compliance with payer requirements and clinical criteria.
- Applied evidence-based guidelines to assess admissions, continued stays, and discharge planning.
- Communicated with providers to obtain additional clinical data, and clarify medical necessity.
- Partnered with case management teams to coordinate quality care while controlling costs.
Licensed Practical Nurse
PartnerMD
09.2017 - 01.2022
- Administered patient care routines, ensuring adherence to established protocols and standards.
- Assisted in triaging patients, effectively prioritizing treatment based on clinical needs.
- Conducted quality chart audits and appeal documentation for denied claims.
- Maintained compliance with organizational and HIPAA documentation standards.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure effective pain management.
Licensed Practical Nurse
First Charlotte Physicians–Matthews
04.2015 - 08.2017
- Administered medications and treatments per physician orders, ensuring patient safety and compliance with protocols.
- Trained and mentored junior nursing staff on clinical procedures and best practices in patient care.
- Maintained safe environment by adhering to infection control policies and procedures, ensuring cleanliness of equipment and work area.
- Administered patient assessments and documented vital signs with accuracy.
Home Health Nurse
BAYADA Home Health Care
02.2013 - 04.2015
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols and patient care plans.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team for timely intervention.
- Assisted in developing individualized care plans, ensuring alignment with patient needs and preferences.
- Educated patients and families on health management strategies, enhancing understanding of care processes.
- Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
- Served as a patient advocate, liaising with healthcare providers to ensure optimal care and support for patients in the home setting.
Rehabilitation Nurse
Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital
06.2009 - 02.2011
- Supported patients in regaining mobility and independence following surgery or illness.
- Collaborated with therapy staff to promote safe and effective rehabilitation.
- Monitored for complications, and ensured accurate reporting and documentation.
- Evaluated patient progress regularly, adjusting interventions as needed to ensure optimal recovery outcomes.
- Monitored vital signs and patient progress, adjusting care strategies as necessary to optimize recovery.
- Improved workflow efficiency through process optimization initiatives in care delivery.
- Prevented potential adverse events through close observation for early signs of complications and prompt intervention when necessary.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing Practice
Galen College of Nursing
Richmond, VA12.2025
Diploma - Practical Nursing
Petersburg Practical Nurse Program
Petersburg, VA06.2008
Skills
- Patient Assessment & Monitoring – Collects vitals, assesses status, and identifies condition changes
- Medication Administration & Safety – Prepares, administers, and documents medications per the five rights
- Wound Care & Infection Control – Performs wound care and applies infection prevention protocols
- IV Therapy & Phlebotomy – Skilled in IV insertion, maintenance, and blood draws
- Respiratory Support – Manages oxygen therapy, trach care, suctioning, and respiratory complications
- Rehabilitation & Mobility – Assists with ambulation, transfers, and rehab techniques
- Nutrition & Hydration – Monitors intake/output and supports feeding and hydration needs
- Team Collaboration – Coordinates care with RNs, physicians, and interdisciplinary staff
- Crisis Response & Critical Thinking – Responds to emergencies and prioritizes patient care effectively
Timeline
Utilization Review Nurse
Centene Inc.
05.2024 - Current
Addiction Recovery Nurse
Iron Bridge Recovery Center
09.2023 - 02.2024
Utilization Review Nurse
Elevance Health
01.2022 - 09.2023
Licensed Practical Nurse
PartnerMD
09.2017 - 01.2022
Licensed Practical Nurse
First Charlotte Physicians–Matthews
04.2015 - 08.2017
Home Health Nurse
BAYADA Home Health Care
02.2013 - 04.2015
Rehabilitation Nurse
Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital
06.2009 - 02.2011
Associate of Science - Nursing Practice
Galen College of Nursing
Diploma - Practical Nursing
Petersburg Practical Nurse Program