The Nontraditional Nurse

The Nontraditional Nurse
  • 0.0 (0)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to The Nontraditional Nurse Podcast, where we explore unique and diverse career paths for nurses beyond the bedside. Through insightful interviews with industry experts and nurses in nontraditional roles, we offer inspiration, advice, and practical tips to help you find your ideal nursing career. Whether you’re a new nurse or seasoned professional, join us to discover the opportunities waiting for you outside traditional healthcare settings!

  1. MAR 1

    Why Space Missions Need Nurses

    What does “space nursing” actually look like — and is it even real yet?In this episode of The Nontraditional Nurse, I sit down with Christine Rincon, also known as The Space Nurse, a critical care nurse who is building a career at the intersection of nursing and aerospace.Right now, there is no official job title called “space nurse.” Astronauts receive only 40–60 hours of medical training. Medical emergencies in orbit rely heavily on flight surgeons back on Earth. And when you look at astronaut qualifications, it literally states that nurses do not qualify.So why is Christine advocating so strongly for nurses in space?Because as missions move from short trips to low Earth orbit toward long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars, the medical model has to evolve. Communication delays, prolonged care, risk mitigation, and human sustainability all demand a different level of medical thinking — and nurses are uniquely trained for that.In this conversation, we cover: • Christine’s journey from med-surg to trauma ICU to flight nursing • Why astronauts only receive limited medical training • The barriers nurses currently face in aerospace medicine • How nurses are already working in space-related roles (even if “nurse” isn’t in the title) • Why systems thinking and process improvement matter more than ever • The mindset shift required to position yourself in an emerging field • How nurses can start getting involved today

    36 min

  2. MAR 1

    What is a Registered Nurse First Assistant? (RNFA)

    In this episode, Ellie is joined by Lisa Baldwin, an experienced RN First Assistant, to uncover the pathway into this highly skilled surgical role. Discover how nurses can transition, the training involved, and what makes this career both challenging and rewarding.Key Topics: •How Lisa Baldwin discovered her path into surgery and became an RN First Assistant •The stepping stones: required experience, certifications, and training courses •The diverse surgical specialties RN FAs assist with, including plastic, robotic, and general surgery •Core skills: organization, anatomy knowledge, and adaptability essential for success in the OR •Challenges in entering surgical nursing and tips for bedside nurses interested in transitioning •The importance of shadowing and gaining hands-on experience before committing •The autonomy, teamwork, and fulfilling aspects of being an RN First Assistant •Advice for nurses contemplating a move into the OR and first assist roles

    18 min

  3. JAN 6

    How Nurses Can Lead in Patient Experience & Healthcare Culture

    00:00 The Journey from Bedside to Business02:50 Understanding Patient Experience05:27 The Role of Leadership in Healthcare Culture08:15 Influencing Culture Without a Title19:29 Supporting Nurses Through Coaching and Reflection21:38 Exploring Non-Traditional Roles in Nursing24:35 The Role of Nurses in Patient Experience25:43 Opportunities and Challenges in Healthcare Entrepreneurship27:49 Skills for Transitioning to Non-Traditional Nursing Roles33:11 Finding Joy and Sustainability in Nursing CareersIn this episode of the Nontraditional Nurse podcast, host Ellie Kirkpatrick interviews Kris Baird, a nurse, author, and entrepreneur, who shares her journey from bedside nursing to leading a consulting firm focused on patient experience and healthcare culture. The conversation explores the importance of leadership, the role of nurses in influencing patient experience, and the unique approach of mystery shopping in healthcare. Kris emphasizes the need for reflection, personal growth, and the opportunities available for nurses in non-traditional roles, while also addressing the challenges of entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector.

    37 min

  4. JAN 6

    What Does a Clinical Research Nurse Do? Insights from a 20-Year Expert

    In this episode of The Nontraditional Nurse, we sit down with Teri Crumb, RN — a clinical research nurse with over 20 years of experience who now runs her own consulting business. Teri shares her journey from the bedside to the world of clinical trials, what clinical research nurses actually do, and how nurses can break into this field without prior experience.We cover: • What a clinical research nurse does • How to get started (even with no background in research) • Transferable nursing skills that make you stand out • Salary ranges, remote work options, and work-life balance • Common challenges and how to navigate them • Real advice from a nurse who’s built a long-term career in researchWhether you’re burned out from bedside nursing or just curious about what’s possible outside the hospital walls, this conversation will give you clarity and inspiration.

    24 min

  5. JAN 6

    Nursing Informatics 101: What Nurses Need to Know About Tech, Data, and AI

    Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nursing Informatics02:36 Wendy's Journey into Nursing Informatics05:18 Defining Nursing Informatics08:13 The Role of AI in Nursing Informatics11:01 Building a Career in Nursing Informatics13:43 Navigating Job Opportunities in InformaticsIn this episode of the Non-Traditional Nurse Podcast, Ellie Kirkpatrick interviews Wendy M. Carroll, a nationally recognized nurse leader and informaticist. They discuss Wendy's journey into nursing informatics, the definition and scope of the field, the impact of AI on nursing, and how nurses can build careers in informatics. Wendy emphasizes the importance of the nursing voice in technology development and offers practical advice for nurses looking to transition into informatics roles.

    20 min

  6. 10/15/2025

    Bridging the Gap: The Role of Patient Advocacy

    What if you could get paid to do what you already do for your family — advocate, coordinate, and navigate the healthcare system? In this episode, we sit down with Lori Schellenberg, RN, a nurse with over 40 years of experience across bedside care, occupational health, workers’ comp, and now independent patient advocacy. Lori shares her inspiring journey from traditional roles to launching her own advocacy practice, helping patients and families bridge critical gaps in care. You’ll learn: ✅ What independent patient advocates actually do ✅ How nurses are uniquely positioned for this work ✅ Tips for getting started — even with no business background ✅ Why this path offers meaningful, flexible, and mission-driven work ✅ What makes advocacy different from case management or discharge planning Whether you’re burned out at the bedside, looking for more autonomy, or simply curious about nontraditional roles for nurses — this conversation is full of insight, encouragement, and practical advice.

    31 min

  7. 10/09/2025

    Medical Risk Consulting for Nurses: What It Really Looks Like

    Chapters00:00 From Bedside to Consulting: A Nurse's Journey02:43 Understanding Medical Malpractice Consulting05:46 The Role of Risk Consultants in Healthcare08:24 Common Risks and Safety Issues in Healthcare10:52 Translating Nursing Skills to Risk Management13:40 Preparing for a Career in Medical Malpractice Consulting16:31 Advice for Nurses Transitioning to Non-Traditional Roles19:08 Opportunities for Nurses in Patient Safety21:38 Reflections on the Transition to ConsultingIn this episode of the Nontraditional Nurse Podcast, Ellie Kirkpatrick interviews Tracy, a medical risk consultant who transitioned from bedside nursing to a career in risk management. Tracy shares her journey, the role of nurses in risk consulting, and the skills that translate from nursing to risk management. The conversation explores common risk areas in healthcare, the day-to-day responsibilities of a consultant, and advice for nurses considering non-traditional career paths. Tracy emphasizes the importance of communication, continuous learning, and the need for nurses to have a voice in patient safety and system-level decision-making.

    29 min

  8. 10/09/2025

    Demystifying AI for Nurses

    Chapters:00:00 Introduction to AI in Nursing01:00 Julia's Unique Nursing Journey06:00 Understanding AI: A Tool for Nurses10:03 Overcoming Fear of AI in Nursing12:08 Practical Applications of AI in Nursing18:00 Personal Experiences with AI Tools21:57 Limitations and Ethical Considerations of AI30:01 Best Practices for Using AI in Nursing36:01 Final Thoughts on AI in NursingIn this episode, Ellie Kirkpatrick and Julia Harrington discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in nursing, exploring its potential benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations. Julia shares her unique journey into nursing and informatics, emphasizing the importance of understanding AI as a tool rather than a threat. They delve into practical applications of AI in nursing education, patient care, and professional development, while also addressing the limitations and ethical implications of using AI in clinical settings. The conversation concludes with tips on effectively utilizing AI tools and the importance of digital literacy for nurses.

    38 min
See All (18)

About

Welcome to The Nontraditional Nurse Podcast, where we explore unique and diverse career paths for nurses beyond the bedside. Through insightful interviews with industry experts and nurses in nontraditional roles, we offer inspiration, advice, and practical tips to help you find your ideal nursing career. Whether you’re a new nurse or seasoned professional, join us to discover the opportunities waiting for you outside traditional healthcare settings!

Information

  • Creator
    The Nontraditional Nurse
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Nontraditional Nurse
  • Show Website
    The Nontraditional Nurse

You Might Also Like