Kristin Elizabeth Nichols
Clinical Nurse II, Neuroscience ICU
Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC
Email: kristin.nichols@duke.edu
Education
Duke University School of Nursing (2011) Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Florida (2009) Bachelor of Arts, Classical Studies
Honors and Awards
2011 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Beta Epsilon Chapter
Licensure/Certifications
04/13 to present. Critical Care Registered Nurse: American Association of Critical-Care Nursing.
04/13 to present. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Provider: American Heart Association.
07/12 to present. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Provider: American Heart Association.
04/12 to present. NIH Stroke Scale: American Heart Association.
03/12 to present. Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider: American Heart Association.
01/12 to present. Registered Nurse, North Carolina Board of Nursing. License #250751
Professional Memberships
2012 to present. American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
2011 to present. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
2011 to present. Sigma Theta Tau, Beta Epsilon Chapter
2011 to 2012. National Student Nurses Association, Duke University Chapter, Founding Member
Professional Experience
03/11 to present. Duke University Hospital CN I and CN II (promoted 5/2013), Neuroscience Intensive Care
Unit. Full-time staff nurse caring for critically ill neurology and neurosurgery patients. Primary patient
population includes cranial and spinal post-operative, ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident,
neuro-oncology, traumatic brain injury, and neuromuscular disorders. Experience with managing
mechanically ventilated patients, continuous sedation, ICP management including external ventricular drains
and PbtO2 monitoring, invasive hemodynamic monitoring including arterial lines and CVP monitoring,
neuromuscular blockade, vasoactive drips, and immediate post-anesthesia care.
08/11 to 12/11. WakeMed Hospital Cardiac Intensive Care Unit student registered nurse preceptorship.
Provided care to critically ill cardiology patients under the preceptorship of Taylor Smith, RN.
Leadership Experience
08/13 to present. Research nursing liaison, Duke University Hospital neuroscience ICU. Developing (in
collaboration with principal investigators and research coordinator) nursing-oriented reference materials for
studies currently enrolling patients in the unit, in order to promote timely enrollment and facilitate a smooth
integration of study-related interventions into nursing care.
08/13 to present. Point of Care Testing Trainer. Responsible for new hire skill training as well as annual
revalidation for current staff of the neuroscience ICU.
08/11 to 12/11. Duke University School of Nursing Course Management Team Member, N230 Nursing Care
of Older Adults and Families. Served as liaison between clinical group and course faculty; presented student
concerns to team; identified areas for improvement in course design and implementation.
09/11 to 12/11. Duke University School of Nursing Skills Blitz Workshop, Organizer. Planned, organized,
and supervised multiple sessions of nursing skills review. Trained student volunteer skills champions.
08/10 to 12/11. Duke University School of Nursing Student Council Vice President. Coordinated
educational, community service, social, and professional development opportunities for students.
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Prvu Bettger JP, Lupo B, Nichols KE, Smith KA, Windes EM, Darden-Fluker T. Hospital readmission among
stroke patients who received post-hospital care: A systematic review . International Journal of Physical
Medicine & Rehabilitation, 1(4), doi: 10.4172/jpmr.1000137
Oral/Poster Presentations
Nichols, K., et al. Hand Hygiene Education at Durham Housing Authority Summer Camps. Presented at
Community Health Expo, Duke University School of Nursing, December 2011, Durham, NC.
 Awarded “Best Evidence-Based Intervention” by nursing faculty
Volunteer Experience
Fall 2010, 2011, 2012. Project Homeless Connect, Durham, NC. Provided situation assessment and
facilitation of access to medical, dental, and housing services for homeless community members as well as
basic medical screenings and referrals to health care services for high risk individuals.
Summer 2011, 2012. Special Olympics Volunteer, Triangle Area, NC. Assisted games organizers with a
variety of needs, including escorting athletes to events, assisting with running competitions, providing
encouragement and spirit, and general administrative tasks.
08/11 to 11/11. Duke University, Freshman Flu Fighters Immunization Volunteer. Administered flu vaccines
and education to freshman in multiple evening clinics hosted in Duke University student housing facilities.
2009 to 2010 Shands Hospital Volunteer, Gainesville, FL. Performed administrative tasks and assisted in
maintaining unit stations on medical intensive care unit, responded to non-clinical patient/family needs,
provided companionship to patients/families.
Teaching Experience
2006 to 2008. Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, University of Florida College of Journalism. Co-taught
laboratory sections for introductory photojournalism courses, assisted with management of lecture sections.