While attending the University of Hawaii, Nickson was a model in Honolulu. There she appeared in her first play, The Winter's Tale. After acting classes, community theater, and roles on Magnum, P.I., she won the female lead in Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985). She also appeared with Chuck Norris in the movie Sidekicks (1992). Her other film appearances have included roles in Glitch! (1988), China Cry (1991), K2 (1992), Double Dragon (1994), White Tiger (1996), Devil in the Flesh (1998), Ethan Mao (2004), Half-Life (2008), Dim Sum Funeral (2008), and One Kine Day (2011).