KELLY ANN NICKERSON RN, BSN
Summary
Experienced and compassionate RN with a diverse background in psychiatric care, corrections, emergency services and research. Natural leader with a strong ability to build trust quickly and foster meaningful connections across teams. Recognized leader in quality improvement and compliance, skilled at streamlining workflows, guiding teams, and aligning care with organizational objectives. Renowned for quick clinical decision-making, exceptional assessment abilities, and dedication to advocating for vulnerable communities. Actively pursuing PMHNP credentials to expand expertise and lead transformative initiatives in mental health services.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CLINICAL FIELD NURSE SPECIALIST, CASE MANAGER
UBC, United Biosource, LLC
05.2024 - Current
- Maximize patient adherence by 75% using motivational interviewing techniques.
- Impacted medication compliance by 76% using social determinants of health (SDoH).
- Contributed to 15 clinical trials, supporting protocol implementation and patient monitoring.
- Conducted observational studies on 200 patients, tracking disease progression and exposure-related factors.
- Monitored infant response to therapy, log adverse events, and escalate emergent concerns using pediatric nursing frameworks.
PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH OUTPATIENT RN
Comprehensive Healthcare
10.2024 - 05.2025
- Piloted strategic scheduling enhanced group attendance and appointment adherence.
- Served as liaison between providers and clients; act as expert resource for the community.
- Bridged the gap between clinic and community-based care, coordinating wraparound services.
- Educated patients on relapse prevention, medication adherence, and symptom management.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH INPATIENT RN
Comprehensive Healthcare
10.2024 - 05.2025
- Incorporated Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles into treatment programming,
- Developed client-centered programming increasing engagement, accountability, and participation.
- Ensured safe medication administration, including MAT protocols (e.g., Suboxone, Vivitrol, Methadone).
- Streamlined the assessment and documentation process to ensure continued insurance eligibility for patient stays.
- Designed medication pass simulations, integrating organizational policies into live, scenario-based training.
- Remapped clinical workflows for Behavioral Health Associates (BHAs) eliminating inefficiencies and increase productivity.
CORRECTIONAL REGISTERED CHARGE NURSE
Multnomah County Detention Center, (MCDC) Maximum Security
04.2024 - 07.2024
- Performed rapid intake assessments and triaged possible injuries.
- Administered meds, managed pain, and monitored trauma-related complications.
- Collaborated with law enforcement to maintain safety and custody protocols during care.
- Maintained meticulous dual-system environment, adhering strictly to HIPAA and DOJ standards.
- Enrolled and educated 60% of pregnant inmates onto the MAT program.
CORRECTIONAL REGISTERED NURSE
Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP)
11.2023 - 03.2024
- Managed medical emergencies—falls, 1:1 altercations, stab wounds, and suicide attempts.
- Administered court-ordered medications to 90 incarcerated individuals with mental health disorders.
- Oversaw sick call clinic operations, addressing wound care, urgent needs, and acute medical concerns.
- Triaged medical requests, created sick call list, delivered care, and preped findings for provider review.
- Cared for 3 dialysis patients, maintained documentation, and enforced infection control, infection risk reduction by 35%.
CORRECTIONAL REGISTERED NURSE
Oregon State Hospital (OSH)
07.2023 - 11.2023
- Promoting a safe, therapeutic, and calm milieu for patients and team members.
- Responded to high-risk psychiatric emergencies, including suicidal and violent behavior.
- Assess, determine, and evaluate risk vs. harm of using restraints when less restrictive measures failed.
- Responsible for coordinating the daily functional staff schedule, ensuring appropriate coverage across shifts.
- Assisted with restraint and seclusion using trauma-informed, de-escalation techniques.
PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY REGISTERED NURSE
Unity Behavioral Health, Legacy Health, The PES
09.2022 - 07.2023
- Administered psychotropic medications, including oral and intramuscular injections.
- Conducted initial harm risk to self or others, including evaluation of underlying psychiatric conditions.
- Managed high-volume medication dispensing through Omnicell, ensuring timely delivery of medications.
- Implemented and promoted emergency response protocols safeguarding reduced code blue incidents by 18%.
PSYCHIATRIC REGISTERED CHARGE NURSE
Cedar Hills Psychiatric Hospital
03.2021 - 09.2022
- Oversaw daily operations of dual-diagnosis patients with psychiatric and substance use disorders.
- Conducted shift reports, delegated assignments, and triaged new admissions from ERs and law enforcement.
- Monitored detox protocols (CIWA, COWS), managed withdrawal symptoms and adjusted treatment plans.
- Supervised nursing staff, MHT's, and support personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.
REGISTERED NURSE, CONSULTANT PER DIEM
Poppywood Adult Foster Home, LLC
04.2019 - 04.2022
- Conducted on-site visits to assess client health, medication, and caregiver compliance with regulations.
- Delegated and managed 25+ cases, ensuring 100% compliance with safety and regulatory protocols.
- Designed an easy to use digital marketing platform website, increasing sales by 75%.
- Implemented advanced protocols in wound care, geriatric psych, and chronic disease management.
ACUTE LTAC REGISTERED NURSE
Vibra Specialty Care
10.2020 - 02.2021
- Cared for post-op patients, managing wounds, ostomies, pressure ulcers, and pain.
- Possess advanced clinical skills, i.e. tracheostomies, vents, IV medications, and other life-saving measures.
- Managed complex chronic patients with respiratory failure, advanced heart, and renal disease requiring ongoing care.
- Extensively documented and monitored acutely ill patients to ensure accurate, timely clinical records and optimal care outcomes.
WOUND CARE REGISTERED NURSE (PER DIEM)
Oregon Health & Science University Wound Care Clinic
06.2020 - 10.2020
- Specialized assessment, management, and treatment of wounds to promote healing and improve patient outcomes.
- Conducted wound assessments, developed care plans, and managed routine and complex dressings.
- Skilled in negative pressure therapy, wound staging, and dressing selection based on thorough assessments.
- Performed debridement and closely monitored patient progress to optimize healing outcomes.
REGISTERED NURSE, CASE MANAGER
Signature Home Health
06.2020 - 09.2020
- Managed 30+ patient care plans, coordinating with healthcare teams for smooth clinic-to-home transitions.
- Achieved a 95% adherence rate to care plans, improving patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with 25+ providers to improve care continuity and achieve 95% treatment adherence.
- Coordinated transitions among hospitals, physicians, ALFs, and home health for 12–15 patients.
INJECTION REGISTERED NURSE, CASE MANAGER
BrightStar, LLC
01.2019 - 06.2020
- Administered oral, IV, and intramuscular medications, including PICC, central lines.
- Maintained aseptic technique and infection control logs, significantly minimizing infection risk.
- Streamlined charting processes, improving documentation efficiency and patient outcomes by 85%
- Implemented processes integrating regular follow-up calls, increased compliance by 50%.
REGISTERED NURSE, CASE MANAGER
Assured Home Health, LLC
07.2018 - 01.2019
- Implemented nursing interventions to treat chronic conditions.
- Managed and monitored chronic conditions, i.e. diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disorders.
- Provided care for acute and chronic, including dressing changes, wound assessment, and infection control.
- Developed and implemented disease prevention program, reducing hospital readmissions by 40%.
HOSPICE CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Bristol Hospice, LLC
01.2018 - 07.2018
- Supervised and supported a team of 10+ interdisciplinary staff to deliver compassionate end-of-life care.
- Supported quality initiatives and maintained 100% compliance in annual audits and surveys.
- Performed supervisory visits and chart audits ensuring quality care and adherence to agency policies.
- Oversaw clinical operations from admission to discharge, including care planning, symptom management, and family support.
OPERATIONS MANAGER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Elite Care, LLC, An Alternative to Assisted Living Facility
06.2016 - 04.2017
- Led EMR transitions and workflow upgrades, reducing documentation errors by 75%.
- Partnered with leadership on budgeting and operations, cutting costs by 40%.
- Ensured compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, and state standards, achieving 100% on audits.
- Oversaw nursing operations—staffing, scheduling, onboarding, and evaluations—boosting retention by 15%.
- Directed clinical operations for 8 three-story craftsman-style homes designed for a place for mom.
HOSPICE REGISTERED NURSE, CASE MANAGER
Kaiser, Continuing Care Services
05.2012 - 06.2016
- Played a critical role in coordinating and oversight of the care provided to patients at the end of life.
- Created an improved admission scheduling system, reducing patient churn by 6%.
- Participated in the JCAHO survey with a resultant score of 95%.
- Provided counseling and education in disease management, chronic illness, and end-of-life care cultural dilemmas.
- Led a PIP aligned with national benchmarks for end-of-life care, surpassing goals and reducing departmental surplus by $75K quarterly.
CORRECTIONAL REGISTERED NURSE
Washington County Jail
02.2012 - 06.2012
- .Provided medical care to inmates, managing chronic and acute conditions while ensuring population health and safety.
- Conducted therapeutic groups focusing on topics such as anger management or substance abuse prevention.
- Developed educational materials relating to mental health issues for inmates' use during their incarceration period.
- Evaluated new admissions for any existing medical conditions.
TRANSPLANT UNIT SECRETARY
Oregon Health & Science University
06.2005 - 05.2006
- Provided administrative and clerical support to a high-acuity transplant unit.
- Facilitated smooth communication between nursing staff, physicians, patients, and families.
- Managed records, admissions, and transfers in Epic, ensuring accuracy and HIPAA compliance.
- Vital administrative supportive role, responsible for admissions, dictation, and transcribing physician orders.
- Coordinated procedures, diagnostics, and follow-ups for pre/post-transplant patients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Major in Nursing
OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
09.2011
Associate degree - Women's Studies
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
06.2011
Associate degree - Psychology
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
06.2011
Skills
- Wound care expert
- Intramuscular injection expert
- Venipuncture and EKG proficiency
- CPI crisis prevention intervention
- Proficient in technology and software
- Adept at EMR charting software
- Engaged listening skills
- Versatile clinical skill set
- Effective interpersonal communication
- Compassion and empathy
Certification
- Registered Nurse, Oregon Board Certified, 2011
- Kaiser Clinical Ladder, 2016
- HIV Prevention & Educator, 2018
- Cultural Competency, 2018
- OASIS Certified, 2019
- Trauma Informed Care, 2023
- Crisis Prevention Intervention, 2024
- Wound Care Certification, 2024
- ACLS, 2024
- PALS, 2024
- BLS / CPR, Healthcare Workers AHA, 2025
- Suicide Prevention, 2025
Accomplishments
Founded the “Chronic Film Festival,” using storytelling and media to reduce stigma around chronic illness (published article available).
Developed an innovative Self-harm Intervention targeting unresolved childhood trauma; currently under grant review to expand access for vulnerable populations.
Co-authored the Interprofessional Education (IPE) resolution, which passed nationally and led to University curriculum changes across the nation.
AWARDS
Educator of the Year, OHSU, 2010
Volunteer of the Year, OHSU, 2011
Elenora Thompson, Leadership, OSHU, 2011
Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude, OSHU, 2011
Timeline
PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH OUTPATIENT RN
Comprehensive Healthcare
10.2024 - 05.2025
PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH INPATIENT RN
Comprehensive Healthcare
10.2024 - 05.2025
CLINICAL FIELD NURSE SPECIALIST, CASE MANAGER
UBC, United Biosource, LLC
05.2024 - Current
CORRECTIONAL REGISTERED CHARGE NURSE
Multnomah County Detention Center, (MCDC) Maximum Security
04.2024 - 07.2024
CORRECTIONAL REGISTERED NURSE
Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP)
11.2023 - 03.2024
CORRECTIONAL REGISTERED NURSE
Oregon State Hospital (OSH)
07.2023 - 11.2023
PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY REGISTERED NURSE
Unity Behavioral Health, Legacy Health, The PES
09.2022 - 07.2023
PSYCHIATRIC REGISTERED CHARGE NURSE
Cedar Hills Psychiatric Hospital
03.2021 - 09.2022
ACUTE LTAC REGISTERED NURSE
Vibra Specialty Care
10.2020 - 02.2021
WOUND CARE REGISTERED NURSE (PER DIEM)
Oregon Health & Science University Wound Care Clinic
06.2020 - 10.2020
REGISTERED NURSE, CASE MANAGER
Signature Home Health
06.2020 - 09.2020
REGISTERED NURSE, CONSULTANT PER DIEM
Poppywood Adult Foster Home, LLC
04.2019 - 04.2022
INJECTION REGISTERED NURSE, CASE MANAGER
BrightStar, LLC
01.2019 - 06.2020
REGISTERED NURSE, CASE MANAGER
Assured Home Health, LLC
07.2018 - 01.2019
HOSPICE CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Bristol Hospice, LLC
01.2018 - 07.2018
OPERATIONS MANAGER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Elite Care, LLC, An Alternative to Assisted Living Facility
06.2016 - 04.2017
HOSPICE REGISTERED NURSE, CASE MANAGER
Kaiser, Continuing Care Services
05.2012 - 06.2016
CORRECTIONAL REGISTERED NURSE
Washington County Jail
02.2012 - 06.2012
TRANSPLANT UNIT SECRETARY
Oregon Health & Science University
06.2005 - 05.2006
Associate degree - Women's Studies
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Associate degree - Psychology
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science - Major in Nursing
OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
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