The Nontraditional Nurse

What does a utilization management nurse actually do—and is it the right path for you?In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Smith, LPN, who has built her career in utilization management and prior authorization after starting in ICU, burn, and outpatient nursing. We break down what this role really looks like day-to-day, how nurses use clinical judgment in an insurance-based setting, and how you can break into this field.We also talk about the realities of remote nursing, including the flexibility, the challenges, and what nurses should know before making the transition.If you’ve ever been curious about nontraditional nursing roles or are looking for a path away from the bedside, this is one you don’t want to miss.In this episode, we cover:What utilization management and prior authorization nurses doA typical day working in UMHow nurses apply clinical judgment outside the bedsideHow to break into the field (even as an LPN)The pros and challenges of remote nursing rolesTips to stand out and get hiredSubscribe for more nontraditional nursing career spotlights and advice.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 planningWhether 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.

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.

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.

In this conversation, Dr. Molly McClelland shares her journey from bedside nursing to becoming a nursing educator. She discusses the importance of clinical experience in teaching, the rewarding moments of witnessing students' understanding, and the significance of finding one's passion in nursing. Dr. McClelland also provides valuable advice for aspiring nurse educators, emphasizing the need for empathy, continuous learning, and the diverse opportunities within the nursing field.

In this episode of the Non-Traditional Nurse Podcast, Erin Basher shares her journey from bedside nursing to healthcare recruiting. She discusses the skills that translate from nursing to recruiting, the challenges and opportunities of independent recruiting, and offers valuable insights for nurses looking to transition into non-traditional roles. Erin emphasizes the importance of having a strategic approach to job hunting and being open to new opportunities, while also reflecting on the lessons learned throughout her career.Chapters00:00 From Bedside to Recruiting: A Nurse's Journey06:24 Transitioning to Independent Recruiting: Challenges and Rewards11:01 The Evolving Landscape of Nursing Roles16:45 Strategies for Job Hunting in Non-Traditional Roles21:40 Redefining Success in Nursing: Embracing Flexibility

In this conversation, Kenzie Butler shares her journey as a nurse who has transitioned into various non-traditional roles, including her current position as the director of nursing programs at Blueprint Test Prep. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in moving away from bedside nursing, the importance of recognizing transferable skills, and the mindset shifts necessary for career growth. Kenzie emphasizes the value of saying yes to new experiences and encourages nurses feeling stuck to explore different paths in their careers.

In this conversation, Ellie interviews Tierra Owen, a lactation consultant, about her journey into the field of lactation consulting. Tierra shares her experiences transitioning from a birth doula to a lactation consultant, the certification process, and the rewards of working in this role. She discusses the importance of support for mothers, the flexibility of the job, and offers advice for nurses interested in pursuing a career in lactation consulting.

In this conversation, Amanda Bamba shares her journey from bedside nursing to becoming a legal nurse consultant. She discusses the role of legal nurse consultants, the skills required, and the resources available for those interested in this career path. Amanda emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, community support, and the flexibility of legal nurse consulting, making it an appealing option for nurses looking to transition from traditional roles.

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mary Tibbe's Nursing Journey02:58 Mary's Transition to Clinical Nurse Specialist05:43 The Development of the Tibbe Medical Device08:51 Challenges in Medical Device Innovation11:33 Advice for Aspiring Nurse Innovators14:24 The Impact of the Tibbe Device on Patient Care (And a peek at the device itself!)In this episode of The Nontraditional Nurse, we sit down with Mary Tibbe, a Clinical Nurse Specialist who took an idea from concept to reality—developing a medical device designed to improve patient dignity, mobility, and clinical outcomes. Mary’s 11-year journey in nursing innovation led to the creation of The Tibbe, an external urinary catheter aimed at reducing catheter-associated infections and enhancing patient care. She walks us through her process of working with hospital innovation teams, engineers, and business leaders to bring her idea to market.What You’ll Learn in This Interview:✔️ How nurses can play a role in medical innovation✔️ The challenges and rewards of bringing a new product to market✔️ How to get started if you have an idea for a healthcare invention✔️ Advice for nurses interested in product development & entrepreneurship📩 Subscribe to The Nontraditional Nurse Newsletter and get access to our free Nontraditional Nurse Career Map ➡️ https://thenontraditionalrn.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/Want to explore more nontraditional nursing roles? Check out our past interviews and deep dives into unique career paths beyond the bedside.

In this interview, Leslie McCoy, a clinical leader with extensive experience in nontraditional nursing roles, shares her inspiring journey from bedside nursing to impactful positions in medical affairs and beyond. She provides insights into the transferable skills nurses bring to roles outside traditional healthcare settings, the importance of networking, and how medical affairs intersects with product development and clinical studies. Leslie also offers practical advice for nurses considering a career shift into nontraditional paths, including tips for finding your fit and taking the leap. Don’t miss this empowering conversation for nurses seeking new career opportunities!

Let’s explore a nontraditional approach to bedside nursing that can help reduce burnout and reignite passion for patient care. In this interview, Missy Dorsey, a nurse leader and innovator, shares her experience implementing dual-role nursing to give bedside nurses a fresh perspective and greater job satisfaction. Learn how this strategy has helped retain skilled nurses while enhancing their career fulfillment.Check out Missy’s published research on dual-role nursing here: https://tinyurl.com/Dual-Role-Nursing Subscribe for more interviews and resources to help you discover the nontraditional nursing career path that’s right for you!

In this conversation, Mary Jo Deering shares her extensive journey through non-traditional nursing roles, highlighting her transition from bedside nursing to clinical consulting and sales in the medical device industry. She emphasizes the importance of networking, the challenges faced in adapting to new roles, and the rewarding experiences of working with patients and healthcare teams. Mary Jo also provides valuable insights for nurses considering similar career paths, including necessary skills, experience, and the significance of building connections in the industry.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a flight nurse? Join us in this exclusive interview with Collette, an experienced flight nurse, as she shares her journey into this unique field, the rewarding and challenging aspects of her job, and the skills needed to thrive in this high-stakes nursing role.In this episode of The Nontraditional Nurse, Collette provides insights into the world of air transport nursing, from patient care on helicopters to the teamwork required in emergency situations. Learn how she transitioned into this role, the training involved, and her advice for nurses looking to break into nontraditional nursing paths.Highlights include: What it takes to become a flight nurse Day-to-day responsibilities and on-the-job experiences What makes flight nursing different Collette’s favorite (and toughest) parts of the jobIf you’re considering a nontraditional nursing role or simply curious about life in the air, this interview is for you!Subscribe to our channel for more interviews and career advice!