From Evergreen to the Neuro ICU: A Bootstraps Recipient’s Next Chapter

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In 2022, Collin Palmer graduated from Evergreen High School and received a Bootstraps scholarship. He then began a new chapter as a very determined student at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Recently, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and began his career as a neuro ICU nurse at Cleveland Clinic's Main Campus.

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Growing up in Evergreen, Collin was active in cross-country during his freshman and sophomore years and played tennis during his junior and senior years. He also served on the Jeffco Student Health Advisory Council, where students came together to discuss health strategies and support systems for local schools. Those experiences, along with having family members in the healthcare field, helped spark and shape his interest in a profession centered around helping others.

He chose nursing because of its versatility and opportunities for growth. “I’ve always known I wanted to do something in health care,” he shared. “Nursing stood out because there are so many different paths, and you can continue learning and growing throughout your career.”

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Collin was excited to attend Creighton, but a private, out-of-state school came with expensive tuition. His Bootstraps scholarships, along with other financial aid, made a meaningful difference. “It was important to have support from my hometown,” he said. “It gave me comfort and allowed me to focus on school without worrying as much about taking out substantial loans.”

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During his freshman and sophomore years at Creighton, Collin became involved by working at an on-campus Starbucks and joining the Delta Chi fraternity. It was through his fraternity that he was able to participate in service and philanthropy projects. These included ALS fundraising, Habitat for Humanity volunteering, and participating in events to support children with chronic illnesses.

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After beginning clinical rotations in his junior year, Collin wanted to gain more hands-on healthcare experience. In 2025, he interned in a pediatric mental health unit alongside a nurse preceptor. He later transitioned to the intensive care unit at the same hospital, where he worked as a certified nursing assistant throughout his senior year.

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Collin also studied abroad in Limerick, Ireland, during the summer before junior year to attend a class on international healthcare systems. During his senior year, he spent his six-week preceptorship in a surgical setting, gaining experience in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative units.

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As graduation approached, Collin knew he wanted to work in an ICU setting, caring for patients with acute and complex medical needs. He applied to Cleveland Clinic early in his last semester and is now beginning his new role as a neuro ICU nurse, where he will care for patients with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious neurological conditions. He will begin with a structured orientation and preceptor program as his team prepares for the opening of Cleveland Clinic’s new neurological institute. (Click here for more information on the neurological facility.)

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Collin remains closely connected to his hometown, with many of his family and friends still living in the Evergreen area. His older brother, another Bootstraps recipient, graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and runs his own business producing freeze-dried protein snacks for dogs and cats (Pet Popcorn).

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As he begins his nursing career, Collin carries with him the support of his hometown and the opportunities made possible through Bootstraps. His story reflects the lasting impact of investing in local students as they pursue their goals, develop their skills, and prepare to serve communities far beyond the foothills where they began. Bootstraps is so proud of Collin and his accomplishments and can’t wait to see what he does next!