It actually is very simple. Like what has been mentioned, the only real challenge was getting the Nexus to communicate with the proper USB driver. The xda-developers.com link mentioned has the necessary USB driver, so you're covered there.
Just remember to NOT panic and think that the colored blocks animation is stuck and looping (and yank the battery)! It's normal, and takes a few minutes to fully wipe and unlock. Also, back up any photos or emails that you want to keep, as unlocking will wipe the phone as if you were doing a fresh unboxing (that is why it is recommended to do this before heavily configuring your phone after unboxing).
Edit: "Rooting" and "Unlocking" are not the same thing. You unlock the phone so that you can then root, if you desire to later. Root allows you access to fully control your phone, its operating system (ROM's), and everything else (including bricking it, if you're not too careful). Also, rooting voids your Verizon warranty, whereas unlocking does not (correct me if I'm wrong, anyone).