The Functional Nurse Podcast - Nursing in Functional Medicine

In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager interviews Jazmine Reyes, RN, BSN, BC-NC, about her journey from ICU nursing to holistic and functional medicine practice. Jaz shares her experiences as a travel nurse during the pandemic, which led her to shift towards a more intentional, slow-paced, and ancestral approach to health. Together, they discuss how nurses can integrate ancestral wisdom, mindfulness, and slowing down into modern healthcare while navigating the challenges of burnout and fast-paced environments. Brigitte and Jaz explore how functional medicine and holistic nursing can reconnect patients to core health principles, such as nutrition, emotional well-being, and mindfulness. They discuss the importance of gut health, stress management, and taking time to slow down in a world that often prioritizes speed. This episode is an insightful resource for RNs, NPs, and holistic nurse coaches eager to learn more about functional nursing practices.   You can connect with Jazmine via her website: www.jazmine-reyes.com   Jazmine's blog: https://jazminereyes.substack.com/  And you can follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raw.holistics/    Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator.   This episode and others now available to watch via YouTube here!   To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here.   Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast.   Be well!

In this episode, functional medicine nurse practitioner Brigitte Sager shares her thoughts on how nurses can transform healthcare through holistic and functional nursing practices. Brigitte discusses the critical role nurses play in reshaping healthcare systems by stepping into leadership and entrepreneurial roles, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and ethics. She explores how functional medicine empowers nurses to address root causes of chronic health issues, offering a more personalized approach to patient care. Brigitte also reflects on the challenges and opportunities for nurses to build their own practices while staying true to their core nursing values. Brigitte highlights the connection between functional medicine and traditional nursing, encouraging RNs and NPs to embrace entrepreneurship, leadership, and holistic approaches to healthcare. She explains how functional nursing can not only improve patient outcomes but also position nurses as key players in healthcare innovation. Whether you're an RN, NP, or holistic nurse coach, this episode provides valuable insights into how functional medicine can revolutionize patient care.   Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator. To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here. Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast. We also now have video episodes on YouTube!  Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse podcast, host Brigitte Sager, DNP, discusses a frequent question: Should a nurse call themselves a health coach? Brigitte addresses the differences between calling oneself a nurse coach versus a health coach and the legal and professional implications. She explains the importance of protecting the nurse’s license and adhering to scope of practice laws, especially in different states. Key points covered in this episode: Nurse Coaching vs. Health Coaching: Brigitte explains that while “nurse coaching” might confuse people (they may think it’s about coaching nurses), removing the title of nurse to be a health coach can cause issues. Nurses have legal scope of practice requirements that health coaches do not. She emphasizes that nurses are trusted professionals, and keeping the title “nurse” can be an advantage. Legal Risks: Nurses must be cautious when crossing state lines with their services. Referring to oneself as a health coach and practicing outside of one’s licensed states can lead to legal investigations. Nurses should always work within their state licenses and scope of practice. Advanced Practice Nurses: For nurse practitioners, midwives, and CRNAs, they are always held to their highest level of licensure. Brigitte advises seeking legal counsel when expanding beyond the typical scope of their advanced practice. Billing Opportunities for Nurses: Unlike health coaches, registered nurses can bill for services in a clinic setting. RNs can perform group visits, nursing visits, and coaching visits that are billable through insurance. Nurse coaches can provide services that directly benefit a clinic and its patients, offering more comprehensive care than health coaches can. Brigitte encourages nurses to proudly use their title, emphasizing that being a “nurse coach” has significant value for patients and the healthcare system. It also protects the nurse's hard-earned license while ensuring they are working within their scope of practice.   Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator. To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here. Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast. We also now have video episodes on YouTube!  Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse podcast, host Brigitte Sager, DNP, answers a frequently asked question: Can a registered nurse become certified in functional medicine? Brigitte, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, delves into the topic of certification and board certification, specifically for nurses interested in pursuing functional medicine. She explains the current options available for nurses and nurse practitioners and the difference between a certificate of completion and a true board certification. Key points discussed include: There is currently no board certification specifically for functional medicine nurses, but nurses can obtain certificates of completion through various programs like the one offered by the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy (INCA). Programs may offer certifications, but Brigitte cautions against courses that create their own certification exams, as they do not meet the rigor of a board certification. Nurses and nurse practitioners can pursue certifications like the IFM Certified Practitioner (IFMCP) through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), although the certification is geared toward prescribing providers. Brigitte highlights the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC), which offers holistic nursing certifications and encourages nurses to consider these certifications to validate their knowledge and skills in holistic care. Looking ahead, Brigitte shares her optimism for the creation of a functional medicine board certification for nurses in the future and her personal commitment to advocate for such certification. For now, nurses interested in validating their holistic or functional medicine knowledge can explore options such as the holistic nursing board certification or pursue additional training through IFM. Brigitte also encourages nurses to keep their eye on future developments in this area.   As mentioned in this episode, American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation: https://www.ahncc.org/   Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator. To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here. Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast. We also now have video episodes on YouTube!  Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse podcast, host Brigitte Sager, DNP, sits down with Pamela Melson, a dedicated nurse coach with over 30 years of experience in blending allopathic and integrative medicine. Pamela is passionate about holistic community and mental health care, emphasizing mindfulness, self-care, and functional medicine to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout among healthcare professionals. As a clinical assistant professor and senior faculty member at the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy, Pamela is a trusted mentor and educator for nurses and students alike. Key insights from the episode include: Pamela’s unique journey from lay midwife to nurse coach, including her early hesitance toward allopathic medicine and her eventual embrace of integrative practices. The profound impact of learning nurse coaching and functional medicine, highlighting her transformative experience working with Dr. Barbara Dossey and the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy. How functional medicine has shaped Pamela’s approach to education, emphasizing root cause analysis and holistic care to combat burnout in nursing. Pamela’s reflections on her teaching role at Oklahoma City University and how she empowers her students to trust their intuition and embrace the full scope of nursing care. The importance of supporting healthcare professionals in navigating stress and burnout through mindfulness, functional medicine, and holistic self-care practices. Pamela and Brigitte also discuss the future of holistic nursing and the growing opportunities for nurse coaches to collaborate with healthcare providers, improving patient care while creating more sustainable careers for nurses.   You can find Pamela via her website: https://nurturepathcoaching.com/   Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator.   This episode and others now available to watch via YouTube here!   To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here.   Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast.   Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse podcast, host Brigitte Sager, DNP, explores the common misconception that registered nurses (RNs) cannot diagnose patients. Brigitte addresses this misconception by distinguishing between medical diagnoses and nursing diagnoses and explains how nursing diagnoses align with the holistic and functional medicine approach. Key highlights include: The differences between medical and nursing diagnoses, with an emphasis on how functional medicine focuses on the "why" behind health conditions rather than just the symptoms. The use of NANDA stems in nursing diagnoses, offering examples that connect nursing diagnoses to nutrition, functional medicine, and patient care. How nursing diagnoses fit within the scope of nursing practice and the importance of applying the nursing process (ADPIE) when caring for patients. Empowering nurses to use their foundational nursing skills to support holistic patient care and how this process plays a crucial role in functional medicine. Brigitte encourages nurses to feel confident in their ability to assess and diagnose patients within the scope of nursing practice and develop effective care plans based on the root causes of health concerns.   Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator. To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here. Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast. We also now have video episodes on YouTube!  Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse podcast, Brigitte Sager interviews Chelsea McGee, a registered nurse and holistic health practitioner. Chelsea shares her journey from serving in the military to becoming a nurse, nurse coach, and ultimately starting her own business. She explains how she integrates Eastern healing concepts with Western medicine through modalities such as sound healing, Reiki, meditation, and functional medicine. Chelsea discusses the importance of self-healing and self-love, particularly how releasing trauma and negative self-talk has helped both her and her clients achieve greater health. She dives into her practice's focus on holistic approaches, ranging from functional medicine and energy healing to biohacking with tools like the BrainTap device. Key highlights include: Chelsea’s transition from conventional medicine to holistic nursing. The role of self-love and healing in nursing and patient care. Insights into biohacking for patient awareness without over-relying on data. The science behind sound healing and meditation, focusing on brainwave patterns and the nervous system. Her thoughts on leading wellness retreats and empowering clients and nurses through holistic practices.   You can find Chelsea via her website: https://www.atlashealthco.com/ Chelsea is part of INCA's Admissions Team and is available to answer any questions about their programs!: https://inursecoach.com/team/chelsea-mcgee/   Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator.   This episode and others now available to watch via YouTube here!   To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here.   Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast.   Be well!

In this episode, functional medicine nurse practitioner and educator Brigitte Sager shares her key takeaways from the 2024 IFM Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Brigitte highlights the growing role of nurse coaches in functional medicine and the exciting developments presented by thought leaders like Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Jeffrey Bland. She discusses topics like the long lag between research and clinical practice, how emerging tech and AI are shaping healthcare, and the potential for a blood test to evaluate gut health. Brigitte also touches on the importance of group medical visits and the evolving understanding of women’s health, particularly around hormone balance and nutrition. From insights on functional medicine’s role in addressing root causes of chronic disease to inspiring discussions on improving healthcare outcomes, this episode is full of valuable takeaways for nurses interested in functional medicine.   Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator. This episode and others now available to watch on YouTube! To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here. Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast. Be well!

In this episode, functional medicine nurse practitioner and educator Brigitte Sager interviews Monique Class, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and expert in functional and integrative medicine. Monique shares her inspiring journey from holistic health to teaching at Yale and working with the Institute for Functional Medicine. She discusses how creativity, spirituality, and a patient-centered approach shape her practice, blending functional medicine, mind-body medicine, and coaching. Key takeaways include how nurses can co-create care plans with patients and the value of integrating functional medicine into nursing practice. Monique explains the importance of combining holistic nursing with functional medicine’s systems biology approach. This episode provides valuable insights for RNs and NPs interested in expanding their scope of practice to include integrative methods, nutrition, and patient empowerment. Monique’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact nurses can have when they embrace functional nursing principles. Monique is a thought leader and sought-after educator in the field of functional medicine, mind-body medicine, and coaching.  She lectures nationally and internationally on women’s health, mind-body practices, nutrition, and coaching. She is a senior faculty member for the Institute for Functional Medicine, clinical instructor for the Yale Graduate School of Nursing, and Director of Coaching Development for The Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. She is the cofounder of The Center for Functional Medicine in Stamford, CT, where she has been practicing for 22 years. Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator. This episode and others now available to watch via YouTube here! To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here. Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast. Be well!

In this episode, functional medicine nurse practitioner and educator Brigitte Sager discusses how impostor syndrome can undermine nurses’ confidence in their practice. Brigitte explores why nurses, especially those incorporating holistic and functional medicine practices, often feel unqualified despite having the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact. Learn practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt and stepping into your role as a healer with confidence. Key takeaways include how to recognize impostor syndrome and actionable steps to move past it in both nursing and leadership roles. Brigitte explains how functional medicine ties into the core nursing concepts of patient education, advocacy, and holistic care. She highlights the unique challenges nurses face when balancing traditional care with integrative approaches, offering insights for RNs and NPs ready to embrace functional nursing practices. By addressing root causes, nurses can transform their practice and help patients heal more effectively.   Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator. To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here. Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast. We also now have video episodes on YouTube!  Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager, DNP, shares her top five key takeaways from the Integrative Nurse Coach Symposium held in Miami, Florida. From the importance of self-care in nursing to trauma-informed care and community service, Brigitte covers the most impactful insights from the event. Learn more about the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation movement, the power of trauma-informed care, the significance of service and outreach, cannabis in nursing, and the shared experiences that bring nurses together. If you missed the symposium, this episode provides a valuable recap and highlights some must-know topics for nurses looking to expand their practice into functional and holistic nursing.   Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator. To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here. Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast. Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager, DNP, interviews Rita Wadhwani, RN, MSN, ACNP, CNS, RNC-NIC, about her journey from traditional nursing to practicing functional and integrative medicine. Rita shares how her background in biochemistry and nursing led her to adopt a holistic approach, focusing on lifestyle interventions and biochemistry to address chronic health conditions. With over 25 years of experience, Rita highlights the importance of addressing the gut microbiome, biochemistry, and how functional medicine can empower patients to take control of their health. This episode dives deep into the art of deprescribing, the critical role of stomach acid in gut health, and how nurses can embrace functional medicine to transform patient outcomes. If you’ve been wondering how to merge holistic practices with your nursing career, Rita’s insights are sure to inspire and guide you.   You can find and follow Rita on her website and socials below: https://www.ibiomehealthcare.org/ https://www.instagram.com/rita_holisticnp/  https://www.tiktok.com/@ritaholisticnp    Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator. This episode is now available to watch via YouTube here! To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here. Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast. Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager, DNP, discusses the two key "whys" of functional medicine for nurses and how they can transform your practice. Brigitte explores the powerful questions nurses should ask to understand the root causes of patients' health concerns and how aligning your practice with your deeper purpose as a nurse can lead to more fulfilling patient care. Brigitte shares insights into when and how to integrate functional medicine into your current practice, explaining that the moment you can explain "why" to your patients is when you’re ready to start. She also reflects on the deeper motivations behind becoming a nurse and how functional medicine can reignite your passion for helping others heal by looking beyond the symptoms. This episode is a must-listen for nurses who are curious about functional medicine, looking to deepen patient care, and questioning their role in the current healthcare system.   Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator. To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here. Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast. Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager interviews Melissa Armstrong, a nurse coach and functional health practitioner who transitioned from conventional nursing to holistic medicine. Melissa shares her journey from working in the Pediatric ICU to opening her own Functional Health and Wellness Coaching business. She discusses how her experiences with unresolved trauma, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and gut issues led her to holistic and functional medicine, and how she now helps women address the root causes of their health issues. Melissa and Brigitte explore topics like balancing nurse coaching with functional medicine, the importance of lifestyle interventions, scope of practice concerns, and the rewarding nature of helping patients achieve true transformation. Melissa also shares insights on charging for your worth, group coaching, and the growing demand for holistic healthcare services. This episode is packed with practical advice for nurses considering their own holistic or functional medicine practice.   You can find and follow Melissa on her website and socials below: https://www.instagram.com/holistichealthbymelissa/ https://www.facebook.com/HolisticHealthbyMelissa   Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator. This episode is now available to watch via YouTube here! To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here. Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast. Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, host Brigitte Sager, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, explores the question: “Is functional medicine covered by insurance?” Brigitte dives into common misconceptions about billing for functional medicine, the role of insurance in healthcare, and how functional medicine can be integrated into conventional healthcare models. She explains how nurses can incorporate holistic care and patient education into insurance-based visits and emphasizes that functional medicine is not only possible within insurance structures, but should be a core part of healthcare. Brigitte also discusses the challenges and benefits of having a cash practice versus accepting insurance, the importance of patient education, and how functional medicine principles like stress management, nutrition, and lifestyle changes can be incorporated into even the briefest of visits. Whether you work in a traditional healthcare setting or have a functional medicine practice, this episode is packed with actionable insights.   You might also be interested in listening to this podcast regarding knowing your worth as a Functional Medicine nurse and charging accordingly: Know Your Worth As A Functional Medicine Nurse Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator. To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here. Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or share this link to the website and podcast. Be well!