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The Gritty Nurse

The Gritty Nurse is back, and NO TOPIC is off-limits! Launching in September 2025 with host Amie Archibald Varley, this podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices of nurses and others who work in healthcare to explore the most pressing issues they face. Join Amie as she continues to take a deep dive into powerful and often uncomfortable topics. Though shared experriences, storytelling and the discussions surrounding the intersection of power, we will navigate the challenges facing healthcare nationally and internationally--as of course--challenge the status quo. The show's core belief remains unwavering: that compassion is the through understanding diverse narratives and perspectives is KEY. Amie will continue to explore hot-button issues like mental health, social justice, women's health, and the daily challenges within the nursing profession. The Gritty Nurse is more than just a podcast—it's a community where nurses and healthcare workers can feel heard, empowered, and recognized as the community leaders they truly are. Change is HERE.
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  2. The Power of The Pivot: Rediscovering Your Love For Nursing In Non-Traditional Nursing Careers

The Power of The Pivot: Rediscovering Your Love For Nursing In Non-Traditional Nursing Careers

Apr 9, 2026

Nursing is not a destination; it is a foundation. For too long, we have been told that leaving the bedside is 'leaving nursing,' but the truth is the exact opposite. By stepping into nontraditional roles—in tech, policy, research, and entrepreneurship—we aren't abandoning our profession; we are expanding its power. The future of healthcare depends on nurses who are brave enough to redefine where their expertise belongs.

In this episode of the Gritty Nurse Podcast, Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Ellie Kirkpatrick, RN, FNP, a seasoned Nurse Practitioner and the visionary creator behind The Nontraditional Nurse. With over a decade of clinical experience, Ellie has navigated the highs and lows of the profession—from the intense demands of the bedside to the liberating possibilities of specialized and remote roles.

Amie and Ellie dive deep into the evolving landscape of nursing, tackling the heavy reality of burnout and the psychological shift required to "want more" without feeling like you’re starting over. They explore:

  • Career Evolution: Ellie’s personal journey from RN to FNP and her transition into the nontraditional space.

  • The Bedside & Beyond: Why exploring roles in utilization management, informatics, and even "space nursing" is vital for professional longevity.

  • Technology & AI: How nurses can lead the charge in healthcare innovation and the critical need for the nursing voice in tech development.

  • Advocacy & Education: The urgent need for nursing curricula to adapt to a profession that is no longer confined to the four walls of a hospital.

Whether you are a new grad feeling the "thankless grind" or a veteran nurse looking to fill your cup again, this episode serves as a roadmap for finding a career path that respects your health, your growth, and your expertise.

Connect with Ellie Kirkpatrick

Keywords

nursing, non-traditional roles, burnout, career transition, nursing education, AI in healthcare, networking, mentorship, nursing podcast, diverse opportunities

Chapters

 

00:00 Introduction to Non-Traditional Nursing

01:50 Ellie's Nursing Journey and Experiences

04:52 The Impact of Burnout on Nurses

07:48 Transitioning to Non-Traditional Roles

10:33 Exploring Diverse Nursing Opportunities

13:30 The Role of Technology in Nursing

16:08 AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges

18:57 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

21:42 The Non-Traditional Nurse Podcast

24:32 Advocating for Non-Traditional Clinical Rotations

27:30 The Future of Nursing Education

30:11 Final Thoughts on Non-Traditional Nursing

* Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts 

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782

 

* Watch on YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

Stay Connected:

Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact

Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!

www.hospitalnews.com