Windows 11
Catherine Zahm
RN
Forestville,NY
Summary
Seasoned nursing professional, 38 years, offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Utilization Management Clinician, RN
Highmark WNY BCBS
01.2021 - Current
- Analyze medical records to determine the appropriateness of admissions and concurrent stays using InterQual and Milliman (MCG) criteria guidelines.
Utilization Management Clinician, RN
WNY Blue Cross Blue Shield
11.2019 - 12.2020
- Analyze medical records to determine the appropriateness of admissions, concurrent reviews, and use of medical resources using InterQual and Milliman (MCG) criteria guidelines.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Brooks Memorial Hospital
09.2003 - 11.2019
- Emergency Room critical care.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Administered appropriate medications and treatments, ensuring accurate dosage and timely delivery for improved patient health.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care instructions, promoting adherence to prescribed regimens for improved health outcomes at home.
RN Case Manager
WNY Blue Cross Blue Shield
07.2008 - 10.2011
- Assisted subscribers in navigating the complex network of healthcare and medical care by providing diagnosis, education, and connecting members with the proper medical resources to receive optimal care.
Registered Nurse
Heritage Green Rehab & Skilled Nursing
01.1998 - 01.2003
- Coordination of Geriatric care in long-term care facility.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
Home Health Nurse
Staffbuilders
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Home care medical care coordination of services.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
- Identified early warning signs of patient deterioration or complications, promptly notifying physicians to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Managed patient medical records accurately and confidentially, ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Supported patients'' mental and emotional well-being through active listening and empathetic communication during difficult periods of illness or recovery.
- Conducted regular follow-up visits to monitor patient progress and make adjustments to care plans as needed.
- Performed skilled nursing procedures such as IV therapy administration, tracheostomy care maintenance under physician supervision when required.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Developed and implemented discharge plans to promote continued care after discharge.
Registered Nurse
Erie County Medical Center
01.1988 - 01.1991
- Charge and routine RN medical/surgical care
- Emergency room critical care.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
Education
Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nurse -
Erie Community College
Williamsville, NY05.1988
A.A.S. in Registered Nurse -
Jamestown Community College
Jamestown, NY05.1987
Skills
- These are essential skills and experience I bring:
- Extensive nursing experience (10 years)
- Extensive hospital experience (10 years)
- Proficiency in medical records and Microsoft Office
- 5 years of utilization management and 3 years of case management
- In-depth knowledge of managed care and Epic EMR systems
- Proficiency in insurance verification
- Over 10 years of experience in the ER and basic life support
- Developed knowledge in older adult and pediatric care
- Proficient in patient advocacy, infusion, medical terminology, and CPT coding
- Skilled in administering injections and m record-keeping
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
- Experienced in leadership, direct patient care, HIPAA compliance, chart review, caseload management, healthcare systems navigation, and treatment plan development
- Strong ability in problem-solving (10 years)
Certification
- RN License
- CPR Certification
Nursinglicenses
RN, 02/2025, NY
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Software
Office Suite
Outlook
Various companies' programs
Interests
Going to concerts
Reading
Church
Family time
Baking/Cooking and watching those shows
Quote
Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.
Winston S. Churchill
Timeline
Utilization Management Clinician, RN
Highmark WNY BCBS
01.2021 - Current
Utilization Management Clinician, RN
WNY Blue Cross Blue Shield
11.2019 - 12.2020
RN Case Manager
WNY Blue Cross Blue Shield
07.2008 - 10.2011
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Brooks Memorial Hospital
09.2003 - 11.2019
Registered Nurse
Heritage Green Rehab & Skilled Nursing
01.1998 - 01.2003
Home Health Nurse
Staffbuilders
01.1997 - 01.1998
Registered Nurse
Erie County Medical Center
01.1988 - 01.1991
Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nurse -
Erie Community College
A.A.S. in Registered Nurse -
Jamestown Community College
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