Chima Okam

Programs and Courses Taught

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing

About Me

I am an Adjunct Professor at Samuel Merritt University. My educational journey includes earning a Doctor of Nursing and a Master of Nursing degree from Duke University, as well as a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Loma Linda University.

Currently, my role at Samuel Merritt University involves teaching both didactic and clinical aspects of psychiatric/mental health nursing. With a background spanning seven years in psychiatric/mental health nursing, I've held diverse roles such as staff nurse, charge nurse, and assistant nurse manager.

In my current position as a Nurse Practitioner in the Department of Radiology at the University of California, Davis Medical Center, I contribute to various divisions within the radiology department. This includes overseeing cardiac stress testing in nuclear medicine, providing care for patients undergoing endovascular neurosurgical procedures and minimally invasive spine surgery in interventional neurosurgery, and performing procedures such as paracentesis and thoracentesis, as well as offering consultations for various interventional radiology procedures. 

Education

Duke University School of Nursing, DNP
Duke University School of Nursing, MSN/ AGNP
Loma Linda University, BSN
 

Teaching Interests

Psychiatric/Mental Health
Pathophysiology
Cardiovascular disease 

Scholarly Interests

Health care disparities among black people
Social determinants of health impact on the mental health of black people and their communities. 
Cardiotoxicity of psychotropic drugs. 

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

Community Service

I serve as the President of Isuochi Progressive Union USA, a non-profit cultural organization committed to enhancing the well-being of the residents of Isuochi, Nigeria. My responsibilities include overseeing the operations of a fully functional rural primary care health clinic in Isuochi and actively participating in fundraising initiatives for diverse projects that positively influence the local community.