In this episode, I sit down with Haley Krueger-Alyass, a forensic nurse examiner with a background in ER nursing, to talk about a side of nursing that doesn't get nearly enough attention.Haley breaks down what forensic nurses actually do, what a comprehensive forensic exam really involves (hint: it can take up to 10 hours), and why access to this care is a serious gap across the country.

She also shares the moment early in her ER career that lit a fire in her, what secondary trauma looks like in this field, and her honest advice for any nurse thinking about making the move into forensics.

In this episode we cover:What forensic nursing actually is — and how wide the field really isWhat happens during a comprehensive forensic examThe barriers patients face when trying to access this careWhat certifications exist and how to get startedWhy self-care isn't optional in this workWhether you're a burned-out bedside nurse looking for something more meaningful, or just curious about a path you've never fully understood — this one is worth your time.

What does a Nurse Life Care Planner actually do—and how do nurses break into this unique and high-impact field?In this episode of The Nontraditional Nurse, I sit down with Kalyna to explore the world of Nurse Life Care Planning. We talk about how nurses transition into this role, what the day-to-day work looks like, and the critical role life care planners play in legal cases and long-term patient planning.Kalyna also shares insights into working with attorneys, building comprehensive life care plans, and what nurses should know about the possibility of being deposed in court.If you’re interested in nontraditional nursing roles, consulting, or leveraging your clinical expertise in a completely different way, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.In this episode, we cover: • What a Nurse Life Care Planner does • How this role fits into the legal system • What it’s like to potentially be deposed in court • Skills that translate from bedside nursing • How to get started in this fieldSubscribe for more nontraditional nursing career spotlights and advice.

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 do

• A typical day working in UM

• How nurses apply clinical judgment outside the bedside

• How to break into the field (even as an LPN)

• The pros and challenges of remote nursing roles

• Tips to stand out and get hired

Subscribe 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 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.

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.