Hi, I’m ELLIE
I didn’t start The Nontraditional Nurse to tell nurses to leave the bedside.
I started it because I know what it feels like when you want to stay in nursing — but not like this.
After 12 years in the field, I’ve worn a lot of hats. And more than once, I’ve found myself burnt out, under-appreciated, or stuck in a role that no longer fit my life.
I’ve also seen incredible nurses walk away from the profession. Not because they stopped loving nursing, but because they could no longer see a future for themselves in it.
I didn’t want to leave nursing. I just wanted it to feel right for me again.
So I started paying attention. I listened to what burned me out. I noticed what lit me up. I found roles that made space for my life — not ones that asked me to trade it in.
I started helping friends do the same. And then more nurses started reaching out for advice.
That's when I realized — there’s not nearly enough support for nurses who want to pivot their careers.
(And we can all agree that nursing school didn’t prepare us for this moment.)
So I created The Nontraditional Nurse — a free space to explore what’s possible without another degree, without starting over, and without having to justify why bedside isn’t working anymore.
Now I help nurses like you explore nontraditional nursing careers with clarity, confidence, and zero guilt.
Because you’ve changed — and your career should be allowed to change with you.
Whenever I forget how far I’ve come, I look back at the girl in this photo — the new grad who had no idea where nursing would take her.
A nursing career doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.
Mine wasn’t a straight path — but it led me right here.
Let’s rewind to 2013. I’d just graduated nursing school — bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and convinced becoming a charge nurse (gasp!) meant I’d officially “made it.” I started on a cardiac stepdown unit, then moved into the cardiac ICU.
I loved caring for heart and lung transplant patients — but it was emotionally heavy. I was always “the rock” for patients and families… and somewhere along the way, I stopped taking care of myself.
Eventually, I picked up shifts in the PACU and landed a dual role that gave me some breathing room. But after eight years at the bedside, burnout crept back in. I looked around at the amazing “lifer” nurses on my unit and realized I wasn’t one of them. So I applied to NP school.
Then… cue COVID.
My husband and I moved to Colorado, and I took a travel nurse role in a COVID ICU. It was tough — and I’ll never forget it. I watched incredible nurses walk away from the profession because they didn’t see a way forward.
I almost joined them.
Instead, I pivoted — into NP roles in skilled nursing, home care, and eventually remote leadership. After having our first child, I found flexibility in a part-time role doing annual home visits… and finally had time left over to build something that helps other nurses too.
Because I’ve been where you are.
Burnt out. Questioning everything. Wondering if it’s you — or if nursing just wasn’t built to fit your life anymore.
Turns out, there’s more than one way to be a nurse. And I’m here to help you find yours.
Some grounding beliefs behind everything we do around here.
You’re Still a Nurse — Even If You Don’t Work at the Bedside
Leaving the hospital doesn’t mean leaving your identity behind. You worked hard to become a nurse, and your skills, experience, and care still make a massive impact.
You Don’t Have to Justify Why the Bedside Isn’t Working
Not to your boss. Not to your mom. Not even to your LinkedIn connections. If it’s not right anymore, that’s reason enough.
You Don’t Need More Letters to Move Forward
When you’re feeling stuck, the answer isn’t always another degree or certification. Sometimes it’s a fresh perspective, a new role, or a little support from someone who’s been there.
There is a nursing career that you can love again.
You’re still a nurse. You’re just ready for a version of the job that doesn’t ask you to trade your health, joy, or peace for a paycheck. That version exists — and it’s worth looking for.
LinkedIn - Me
Nurse for 12+ years, nurse practitioner, quality certified, remote team leader, committee chair, charge nurse, mentor, and proud preceptor.
I’ve worked in CTICU, PACU, SNFs, home care, leadership, and quality roles. I’ve been at the bedside, behind the scenes, and on Zoom calls in pajama pants.
I’ve helped build dual nursing roles. I’ve led quality improvement projects. I’ve supported nurses on my team through burnout and transition.
And now? I help you figure out what else is out there — without feeling like you’re starting over. No alphabet soup required.
Me - IRL
I’m a toddler mom, a wife, and a themed-party enthusiast.
My friends call me “the glue” because connection is my love language — and I’m the reason most of them know each other.
My time in Colorado made me a mediocre skier, but a killer après participant.
I love a solid iced coffee, my phone is always on low battery, and I would 100% adopt Bluey as part of the family.
At the end of the day, I’m still a nurse — just one who believes we deserve careers that work for our whole lives.
But really, I pride myself on being authentically ME on LinkedIn, so give me a Follow!
You’ve Got the Skills. Now Let’s Find the Fit.
You’ve done the hard part — now let’s find the roles that value everything you bring to the table.
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