“As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou 

Professional Experience

Associate Director of Simulation     July 2022-Present                         Clemson University School of Nursing

Provide a state-of-the-art learning environment with comprehensive simulated laboratory experiences that enhance students’ critical thinking and clinical decision-making abilities.  Provides simulation leadership throughout the undergraduate and graduate programs for over 1000 nursing students, faculty, and staff. Collaborates with academic partners to develop robust interdisciplinary activities. Promotes simulation research activities and grant submissions. Develops budget and leads project management of renovations, new construction, and systems installation.  Serves as a leader in simulation pedagogy, simulation best practice, and Accreditation. 

CLRC Lab Manager                                  Jan 2018-Present                          Clemson University School of Nursing

Manages the day-to-day activities in the Clinical Learning Resource Center (CLRC), including the Nursing Simulation Lab & The Clinical Learning Research Center in the School of Nursing for Clemson University with around 800 undergraduate students. Manages the work of the GTA(s), and student workers and assists the Clinical faculty working in the lab. Provides guidance and recommendations for Simulation throughout the Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum with specific engagement of Simulation activities for Health Assessment, Fundamentals, Medical-Surgical Nursing of Adults, Complex Care, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Psychiatric Nursing, Community Health Nursing, and Nursing Informatics.

Chest Pain Center Coordinator              Jan 2014-December 2017                                          AnMed Health 

Manages and Coordinates the Chest Pain Center for AnMed Health by leading multidisciplinary teams focused on streamlining care for ACS patients. Daily roles include data abstraction and analysis, creating and streamlining protocols, policies, monitoring the quality of care, process improvement, feedback, and improving education for staff, patients, and the community.

Staff Nurse (CICU/CVICU)                                        March 1998-August 2021                                          AnMed Health

Responsible for critically ill patients requiring hemodynamic monitoring, cardiac drip infusions titration, and CC equipment proficiency. Development of a daily plan using nurse-directed goals to address patient-specific needs, consults, changes in condition, and physician communication. Previously a full-time position, currently PRN.

AMI Case Manager (CCU/CVICU)                     November 2009-January 2014             AnMed Health

Responsible for ensuring quality outcomes were met for the Myocardial Infarction population, adherence to CMS regulations/core measures, tracking of data, and program development. Also responsible for the quality of care and case management for the CCU and CVICU patients to ensure appropriate care and length of stay.

Rehabilitation Liaison               September 2002-May 2004        HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital

Responsible for marketing rehabilitation services to area hospitals, physicians, and patients throughout Included detailed physical assessment & history, written evaluation, presentation to an approval committee, and certification by Medicare, Medicaid, and Private Insurance.

Circulator (Cardiac Cath Lab/Stress Lab)                       August 2001-May 2004              AnMed Health

Responsible for circulating and surgical tech duties in the: Cardiac Cath Lab, Stress lab, Pacemaker lab, Recovery Room, EP lab, and pre-assessment for CABG and PCI.  Provided physician-supervised conscious sedation & monitoring, ACLS intervention as needed, and Percutaneous Intervention equipment operation.

EKG Tech/PCT                               June 1996-March 1998 Oconee Memorial Hospital & AnMed Health

Education and Professional Development

Doctor of Nursing Practice                        Clemson University                 In progress. Graduation 2025

Healthcare Systems Leadership

Bachelor of Science in Nursing                Clemson University                     1999  

SC Registered Nurse                           State License # 79145             1999

Certifications

CHSE                                  Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator                                          2020-Current

CCCC                           Certified Cardiovascular Care Coordinator                                 2014-2021

ACLS                              Instructor Certified (American Heart Association)                           2008-2021

BLS                                 Certified (American Heart Association)                                           1998-Current

L.E.A.D.                         Leadership, Education, Alignment, Development Program          May 2010

Grant Submissions

09/30/2023-09/29/2026                PD: J. Whitcomb

Nursing Faculty Coordinator Kim Hill 60% effort

“SET-UP: SET-ting nurses up for rural and Underserved Populations.”  (Simulation Education and Training)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Workforce, Division of Nursing and Public Health, HRSA workforce development grant HRSA-23-129 

Submission date: July 3, 2023

Annual direct costs: $500,000      Total direct costs: $1,500,000

09/30/2022-09/29/2026               PD: J. Whitcomb

Equipment Support-Kim Hill

"Appalachia & Rural Academy: Preceptor and Clinical Faculty"

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Workforce, Division of Nursing and Public Health, HRSA workforce development grant

HRSA-22-170    Submission date: August 22, 2022  

Annual direct costs: $1,000,000   Total direct costs: $4,000,000

Publications: 

Thrift, J., Hill, K., Bagwell, J., Gonzales, L., Stewart, K., Anderson, R., O’dell, A., Boice, O., & Card, B. (2025). Shaping the nursing workforce through virtual reality: Pitfalls and possibilities of implementation in a nursing curriculum. Journal of Nursing Outlook, 73(5), e102486. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2025.102486

Awards & Presentations

• Panel Presenter IMSH 2024-“Incorporating SPs into your simulation program.”

• Presenter INACSL 2023-“Calming the Chaos-strategies to Standardize your Simulation Lab”

• Presenter SC Organization of Nursing Leadership: “The Impact of Simulation on practice readiness & patient safety”-December 2018

• Presenter for American College of Cardiology: ACS Webinar-December 2017

• Silver Touchstone Award 2017-Project Title: “Just Chill Out…Hypothermia Doesn’t Have to Be Confusing.” 

• Guest Lecturer Clemson University:  Complex Care ACS-2018-2020

• FACES of AnMed Health 2014

• SC Palmetto Gold Nursing Award 2010 (Highest Award given to a nurse in SC)

• S.T.A.R. Employee of the Month AnMed Health (September 2013 and April 2017)

• AnMed Health Gold Standard of Nursing Award 2009

• Carolina Health System Quality Award 2010-(Presentation required to >500 CEO’s, CMO’s, & CNO’s across NC & SC healthcare systems)

Professional Organizations

2025-Present South Carolina Nurses Association

2025-Present American Nurses Association

2023-Present                                 Nurses Honor Guard of South Carolina

2022-Present                                 Sigma Theta Tau-Gamma Mu Chapter-Faculty Counselor 2023

2019-Present                                 International Society of Clinical Simulation and Learning

2019-Present                                 National League of Nursing

2019-Present                                 Society of Simulation in Healthcare

2018-Present                                 South Carolina Nursing Simulation Education Alliance (SCNSEA)

2020-Present                                 SCNSEA Education Committee

2016-Present                                 American College of Cardiology

2013-2021                                        Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care

2010-present                                 American Heart Association

2009-2018                                        South Carolina Hospital Association Heart and Stroke Care Alliance  

2013-2018                                        Upstate Regional Lead for STEMI for SCHA

2004-2009                                        CCU/CVICU Unit Council (Vice President 2007-2009)

1995-1999                                        Clemson University Student Nurses Association (president 1997-1998)

Community Service

Simulator Mentor-June 2020-present

Anderson District Five Institute of Technology Health Science Community Advisory Board (2021-Present)

Financial Peace University Mentor (2022-Present)

Volunteers in Medical Missions-July 2022 Peru Team

Tornado Relief Team- Oconee County Spring 2020

Premarital Counselor and Nursery Worker- New Spring Church (2016-present)

Volunteer Anderson Free Clinic (2009-2016)

Small Group Leader New Spring Church (2007-2011)

Anderson County Junior Women’s Club (2001-2006)

Pregnancy Crisis Center mentor (2006-2008)

Boy Scouts of America Medical Explorer (1991-1996) (president 1992-1996)