Serving Beyond: Dr. Tomika Williams Promotes Positive Work Cultures & Patient Experiences

Greensboro, NC – Dr. Tomika Williams, Ph.D., AGNP-C, RN has served as a healthcare professional for over 20 years and has experience working with patients, clients, and families in various healthcare settings. She currently operates as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing at East Carolina University. In addition, she is a dually Certified Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care, with clinical practice experience in long-term care, in-patient rehabilitation, and employee wellness care and occupational health.

Dr. Williams graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in 1998, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then went on to receive her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on becoming a Nurse Practitioner from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC-G) in 2003. In 2016, Dr. Williams completed her Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) in Nursing from UNC-G. Her research and scholarship interest areas include long-term care, gerontology, health promotion, and social justice issues in health care.

In addition to her scholastic accomplishments, Dr. Williams is the owner of Golden Health Education and Consulting PLLC, offering health education and consulting services to patients, families, and communities. Her love for helping others as a healthcare professional boldly comes through in everything she does. I had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Williams earlier this year at the 2020 Nurse Boss Summit at the Raleigh Convention Center. It was a pleasure experiencing her natural joy for the betterment of others during our conversation. She embraced the opportunity to share her knowledge and passion to serve beyond as a healthcare professional:

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am the oldest child, with 4 younger brothers. I was born in Greensboro, NC, and continue to live there. Most of my family lives in Greensboro. After obtaining my nursing degree from NC A& T State University, I began working on a cardiology unit and eventually moved on to a cardiothoracic surgery step-down unit while obtaining my Master’s Degree as an Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner. Several years later I completed my Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of NC at Greensboro. I currently work as a nursing professor at East Carolina University and a Nurse Practitioner in long-term care.

What attracted you to the healthcare profession?

I had an experience in the Emergency Room (ER) that changed my career trajectory as a young teen. I was in the ER as a patient one night and I saw how the nurses in the ER managed a very intoxicated patient. They were able to provide care to him despite his aggressive behaviors. This episode was so impactful that I was intrigued enough to explore nursing as a career option. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made.

Do you feel you are making the impact you desire with patients in your daytime / “9-5” position?

My full-time position is that of a college professor. Part of my academic workload includes one 8-hour day per week for clinical practice. During my 8-hour shift, I continue to practice in long-term care as a Nurse Practitioner. I believe that I am making an impact on the residents within the facilities I cover by providing them with consistent primary care. I also feel I am making an impact with the facility’s staff by providing insight into patient care and support for their roles.

What, or who has served as your inspiration as a healthcare professional?

My first inspiration in my nursing career was my aunt who was the nurse in my family. I was proud to know I had a family member who knew the ins-and-outs of the profession. Over the years, I have drawn my inspiration from several nurse mentors who have encouraged me and exposed me to the many facets of the nursing profession. Finally, I draw inspiration from my faith and belief that nursing is much more than a career choice. It’s a calling.

Dr. Williams, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years as a healthcare professional?

In the next 5 years, I see myself as a full clinical professor within the university system. My current rank is a clinical assistant professor. A future goal of mine is to continue to educate advanced practice providers. Additionally, I desire to solidify myself as one of the gerontology nurse experts within the profession. This will be verified by frequent invitations for speaking engagements and contractual relationships with long-term care companies.

Let’s talk about your role as Owner of Golden Health Education and Consulting PLLC. How did this concept come about? Why do you feel it’s important to operate in this capacity?

Because of my love for geriatrics and long-term care, I had been thinking about what I could do to support this patient care environment. I have over 10 years of Advanced Practice Nursing experience in the geriatric and long-term care environment, therefore, I felt as if I could develop something that could provide education and support. This is how Golden Health Education and Consulting was born. I consult with administrative leadership of long-term care companies to assist them with increasing their revenue, decreasing survey fines, and decreasing staff turnover. It is important for me to operate in this capacity to assist long-term care companies in their development of positive work cultures and help to professionally develop staff. My long-term care experience has provided me with knowledge and insight into this care setting.

When did you know it was time to serve beyond the traditional healthcare setting and step into the business arena and become an educator?

I felt the need to start my business last year. I knew it was time because I was looking to expand my reach with my expertise in the community in a way that I had not done before.

What tips do you have for nurses, or others in the healthcare field, who desire to branch out into another aspect of serving as a healthcare professional, whether in the community or through business ownership?

The first tip I have is to know your “why”.  You must initially have a perspective on why this is important to you. My second tip would be to do your research. Research your idea and what is out there already. You want to be able to distinguish yourself. My last tip would be to develop confidence in “your lane”.  There will be many that will seemingly be doing what you want to do, but remember they are not YOU. You will bring your own personality to your business idea. 

What advice or tips would you give to nurses during this COVID-19 healthcare crisis? What is your suggestion for burnout prevention? 

My advice to nurses during COVID-19 is to remember their own self-care. This pandemic has taxed nurses emotionally, physically, spiritually, economically, etc. In order to continue to take care of others, you must not forget to care for yourself. Take a break. Take a day off. Quiet your mind. To prevent burnout, one of the things I suggest is to use your PTO or leave days. Many nurses continue to work, sometimes out of an unwritten sense of “need” from organizations. This constant working of overtime does not give way for the nurse to replenish themselves.

How can our readers connect with you? (website, social media, email, phone, etc.)

Readers may connect with me on my website: www.tomikawilliams.com

Social Media-

Facebook: Golden Health Education and Consulting

Twitter: @tomikaempowered

LinkedIn: Tomika Williams

Instagram: Golden Health Education

Email: info@tomikawilliams.com

Phone:  336-338-8713