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.

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Be well!