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
Fort Carson, CO
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
Cañon City, CO
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
Colorado Springs, CO
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
Omaha, NE
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
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