About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower nurses at every stage of their careers by providing the resources, guidance, and community support needed to explore diverse career paths, achieve professional growth, and find fulfillment in their nursing roles. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where nurses can share their experiences, develop new skills, and navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare with confidence and purpose.

Our Vision

Our vision for The Nontraditional Nurse is to become the leading resource for nurses seeking to explore and thrive in diverse career paths, whether within traditional bedside roles or beyond. We aim to inspire and guide nurses to achieve their full potential by providing comprehensive resources, expert advice, and a supportive network. Through our platform, we envision a future where nurses are empowered to take control of their careers, find fulfillment in their work, and contribute to a dynamic and evolving healthcare landscape. Our ultimate goal is to foster a generation of nurses who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the profession, embrace opportunities for growth, and lead meaningful, impactful careers.

The Founder

Ellie Kirkpatrick, MSN, NP-C, CPHQ

As a Family Nurse Practitioner with a diverse background in nursing, I founded The Nontraditional Nurse (TNN) to help fellow nurses explore and thrive in diverse career paths. My journey began at the bedside, where I gained invaluable experience in various nursing specialties. Over time, I transitioned into several nontraditional roles, including nursing leadership, a remote position, travel and dual-role nursing. These experiences deepened my understanding of the evolving healthcare landscape and the unique opportunities available to nurses beyond traditional settings. Through TNN, my mission is to empower nurses to find fulfillment in their careers, whether in traditional bedside roles or innovative nontraditional positions.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I’m deeply committed to fostering a supportive community for nurses. I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the complexities of a nursing career, which is why I’m dedicated to providing the resources, guidance, and support that nurses need to succeed. As a Nurse who has successfully navigated various nontraditional roles, I understand the importance of continuous growth and adaptation, and I’m here to help you take the next step in your nursing journey, no matter where it leads.

Outside of my work with TNN and my job as a Nurse Practitioner, I love spending my free time skiing, playing volleyball, and enjoying the great outdoors. I’m also a proud wife to my husband Nick and a mother to our beautiful baby daughter Frankie. Together, we embrace life’s adventures, and I’m excited to bring that same sense of enthusiasm and dedication to supporting nurses through The Nontraditional Nurse.