She made her film debut in the 1952 Western "Bend of the River". Later that year, she appeared as "Rosie Kettle" in the comedy film "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair", followed by a supporting role in "Francis Goes to West Point". In 1955, Nelson guest starred in two episodes of "It's a Great Life", and reprised her role as "Rosie Kettle" in "Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki". That same year, she co-starred in the "Creature From the Black Lagoon" sequel "Revenge of the Creature" and "Underwater!" with Jane Russell and Richard Egan.