Nicole Grimes
Canon City
Summary
Accomplished Registered Nurse with a proven track record of clinical leadership and strong clinical judgment, notably increasing VTE compliance to 96% at Evans Army Community Hospital. Skilled in medication and IV administration, with extensive experience in pre-and post-operative care. Demonstrates exceptional ability to lead, educate, and implement safe practices, driving significant improvements in patient care and operational efficiency.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse/Charge Nurse
Evans Army Community Hospital
03.2022 - Current
- Served as Chair of the Family Care Ward Unit Project Counsel, spearheading a program that increased VTE compliance from 50% to 96%.
- Served as an interim supervisor from December - January 2025
- Created policies and SOPs that facilitated safe practices within an inpatient setting
- Created an electronic patient log that helped identify short-term admissions resulting in financial savings for the hospital
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
Nurse I
Colorado Department of Corrections
10.2020 - 02.2022
- Created a secure environment for both staff and inmates by following institutional policies on contraband control, safety measures, and crisis intervention techniques.
- Provided emergency care to inmates by responding promptly to medical emergencies within the facility.
- Educated inmates about their health conditions and self-care routines for better disease management.
- Monitored and treated inmates with acute illnesses with timely and skilled care
- Managed various mental health crises with empathy and compassion
- Supervised and trained new nurses and nursing aid staff
- Facilitated inter-professional collaboration with nurses, physicians, and mental health clinicians
Medical Surgical Nurse Preceptorship
Saint Francis Hospital
08.2020 - 10.2020
- Performed initial patient assessments and worked with physicians to plan, implement, and evaluate plans of care for patients
- Observed patients and actualized nursing interventions to expedite healing and recovery after surgery.
- Utilized clinical expertise to remove sutures, administer medications and injections, administer IV therapy, and test glucose levels. Performed venipuncture, and provided wound care.
- Educated patients and caregivers on diagnosis, treatment options, disease process, and self-management.
- Provided comprehensive instruction on discharge plans to sustain continuity of care upon discharge and drive recovery goals.
Perioperative Nurse
Omaha Eye and Laser Institute
06.2011 - 04.2013
- Assisted in preparing and caring for patients undergoing surgical intervention for ophthalmologic surgery.
- Circulating, scrubbing, and assisting in a variety of ophthalmologic procedures
- Anticipated needs of surgeons and surgical teams during operative procedures.
- Actively monitored the patient before, during, and after surgical procedures and maintained aseptic techniques
- Administered safe and appropriate nursing care in the perioperative environment
- Monitored patient condition throughout surgery
- Provided post-operative support and education on proper discharge care
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, COAssociate of Science - Nursing
College of Saint Mary
Omaha, NEBachelor of Science - Psychology
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, COSkills
- Strong clinical judgment
- Clinical leadership
- Quality improvement
- Pre-and Post-operative care
- Medication and IV administration
- Patient education and counseling
Certification
- Registered Nurse License (RN)
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Timeline
Registered Nurse/Charge Nurse
Evans Army Community Hospital
03.2022 - Current
Nurse I
Colorado Department of Corrections
10.2020 - 02.2022
Medical Surgical Nurse Preceptorship
Saint Francis Hospital
08.2020 - 10.2020
Perioperative Nurse
Omaha Eye and Laser Institute
06.2011 - 04.2013
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Colorado Technical University
Associate of Science - Nursing
College of Saint Mary
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Colorado State University
Similar Profiles
Janelle EugairJanelle Eugair
ACS, NSQIP Surgical Clinical Reviewer at Evans Army Community HospitalACS, NSQIP Surgical Clinical Reviewer at Evans Army Community Hospital
Joni La ShoreJoni La Shore
Patient Appointment Technician at Evans Army Community HospitalPatient Appointment Technician at Evans Army Community Hospital
Cameron MetcalfCameron Metcalf
Sterile Processing Technician Volunteer at Evans Army Community HospitalSterile Processing Technician Volunteer at Evans Army Community Hospital
Katrina SwartzentruberKatrina Swartzentruber
Fundraising Supervisor at New Horizons MinistriesFundraising Supervisor at New Horizons Ministries
Arlo BellArlo Bell
Production Line Worker at EVRAZ North AmericanProduction Line Worker at EVRAZ North American