The Functional Nurse Podcast - Nursing in Functional Medicine

Brigitte Sager, DNP
  • 4.6 (20)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Biweekly

A podcast that explores the unique role nurses and nurse practitioners play in practicing the healing art of functional medicine. The show explores many aspects of functional medicine practice, emerging research, and the unique blessings and challenges that RNs and NPs experience when practicing functional medicine. Hosted by Dr. Brigitte Sager a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, functional medicine educator, and the CEO of the Institute for Functional Nursing™ (IFN). https://www.fxnursing.com/ Whether you’re new to the idea of becoming a functional medicine nurse or already practicing this healing modality as a holistic nurse in your current setting, the Functional Nurse Podcast is a way of connecting and speaking to the art functional nursing.

  1. Jul 22

    Nurse Burnout or Professional Misalignment? Why Nurses Feel Disconnected From Their Calling

    Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing. Learn more about our programs at www.fxnursing.com. In this episode of the Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager DNP, FNP-C, FMCP-M, CNE challenges one of the most common narratives in healthcare: are nurses truly burned out, or are they experiencing something deeper? Drawing from years of conversations with nurses across a variety of specialties, Brigitte explores why so many healthcare professionals feel disconnected from the very calling that inspired them to enter nursing. She examines how modern healthcare systems often prioritize tasks, documentation, and productivity over meaningful patient relationships, leaving many nurses questioning their purpose and future in the profession. Brigitte discusses the concept of professional misalignment and how functional nursing offers a path back to the heart of nursing by emphasizing root-cause care, patient education, prevention, holistic nursing, and therapeutic relationships. She also explores why functional medicine is reigniting purpose for many nurses, helping them move beyond symptom management toward meaningful healing and long-term patient outcomes. Whether you're experiencing nurse burnout, considering a career change, or searching for a more fulfilling way to practice nursing, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a vision for the future of the profession.

  2. Jul 8

    Functional Nursing for Lactation Consultants: Gut Health, Breastfeeding & Root Cause Care

    Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing. Learn more about our programs at www.fxnursing.com. In this episode of the Functional Nurse Podcast, Samantha Hamilton sits down with Autumn Wake, RN, IBCLC, to explore how functional nursing is transforming lactation consulting and postpartum care. Autumn shares her personal journey into functional medicine after searching for answers to her son's digestive issues, and how those experiences led her to integrate root-cause thinking into her practice supporting mothers, babies, and families. Together, they discuss the connection between maternal health and infant wellbeing, including gut health, food sensitivities, breastfeeding challenges, birth interventions, tongue ties, structural issues, maternal stress, and the importance of treating the whole family, not just the symptoms. Autumn also shares practical ways she's incorporating functional nursing into lactation consulting, helping parents simplify care, build confidence, and support healthy development through nutrition, lifestyle, and individualized education. Whether you're a nurse, lactation consultant, maternal-child health professional, or parent interested in holistic postpartum care, this episode offers valuable insights into creating healthier outcomes for both mom and baby. Connect with Autumn Wake: Website: https://breastfeedingsupportlv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advancedbreastfeedingsupport/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreastfeedingLasVegas

    Functional Nursing for Lactation Consultants: Gut Health, Breastfeeding & Root Cause Care

  3. Jun 24

    Functional Medicine Conference Highlights: AI, Holistic Nursing & Future Healthcare Trends

    Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing. Learn more about our programs at www.fxnursing.com In this episode of the Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager shares her biggest takeaways from two major healthcare events: the Institute for Functional Medicine's Annual International Conference (AIC) and the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) Conference. From innovative care models and functional medicine implementation to the growing role of nurses in integrative healthcare, this episode offers an inside look at the conversations shaping the future of patient care. Brigitte discusses emerging trends in functional medicine, including the integration of artificial intelligence in clinical practice, the impact of social determinants of health, fertility and women's health, chronic disease prevention, neuroplasticity, longevity, and metabolic health. She also shares inspiring examples of how nurses are leading change in healthcare through education, coaching, entrepreneurship, community-based care, and functional nursing. Whether you're a nurse, nurse practitioner, healthcare entrepreneur, or simply interested in the future of holistic and root-cause medicine, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical ideas you can apply in your own work.

  4. Jun 10

    From Burnout to Functional Nursing: A Rural Nurse’s Journey to Root Cause Care

    Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing™. Learn more about our programs at www.fxnursing.com In this episode of the Functional Nurse Podcast, Samantha Hamilton MSN-Ed, RN sits down with Tabetha Hystad RN to discuss her journey from traditional community nursing to functional nursing. After 15 years in healthcare and experiencing the challenges of burnout, pandemic-era healthcare, and personal health struggles, Tabetha began searching for a more holistic and empowering approach to patient care. Her path eventually led her to functional medicine and the Institute for Functional Nursing. Together, they explore how functional nursing principles can be integrated into everyday nursing practice, even in home care and rural healthcare settings. Tabetha shares how she now views patient stories through a root-cause lens, helping clients improve sleep, blood sugar balance, pain management, and overall quality of life through education and lifestyle strategies. She also opens up about her personal experience with fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, women's health concerns, and how functional medicine transformed her perspective on wellness. Whether you're a nurse exploring career possibilities, interested in women's health, or looking for ways to bring functional medicine into your current role, this conversation offers inspiration, practical insights, and hope for what's possible. Connect with Tabetha: Location: Alberta, Canada Profession: Registered Nurse (Home Care & Community Health) Instagram: @rootedprairiewellness

    From Burnout to Functional Nursing: A Rural Nurse’s Journey to Root Cause Care

  5. May 27

    How to List Nursing Credentials After Your Name | RN, NP, APRN, MSN, DNP & Certifications

    Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing. Learn more about our programs at www.fxnursing.com How should nurses list credentials after their name? In this episode of the Functional Nurse Podcast, Dr. Brigitte Sager explains how nurses, nurse practitioners, and advanced practice nurses can understand and display their professional credentials with more clarity and confidence. If you have ever wondered whether RN, BSN, MSN, DNP, APRN, NP, board certification, holistic nursing certification, or your other credentials should come first, this episode will help you make sense of the “alphabet soup” after a nurse’s name. Brigitte breaks down the difference between academic degrees, nursing licensure, advanced practice titles, national board certifications, specialty certifications, and program-created certificates. You’ll also hear how credentialing applies to nurses entering functional, holistic, and integrative healthcare. Brigitte discusses holistic nursing board certification through AHNCC, the Institute for Functional Medicine’s certification process, and the future need for a true functional nursing board certification. This episode is especially helpful for RNs, NPs, APRNs, nurse entrepreneurs, holistic nurses, functional medicine nurses, integrative health professionals, and nurses pursuing advanced education or specialty training. Whether you are updating your email signature, website bio, resume, professional title, or social media profile, this conversation will help you think more carefully about credibility, professionalism, and how to represent your qualifications accurately. In this episode: How to list nursing credentials after your name The difference between degrees, licenses, certifications, and certificates Where RN, NP, APRN, MSN, DNP, and board certifications fit Why credential order matters for nurses and nurse practitioners What holistic nursing certification means How IFM certification fits into functional medicine education Why functional nursing needs clearer professional standards How nurses can communicate credibility in functional and integrative healthcare Learn more about the Institute for Functional Nursing: www.fxnursing.com

  6. May 13

    A Look Inside The Functional Nursing Program™: The Leading Functional Medicine Training for RNs & NPs

    Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing. Learn more about our programs at www.fxnursing.com In this episode of the Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager welcomes Samantha Hamilton, MSN-Ed, RN, a functional nurse educator, entrepreneur, and the Director of Growth and Partnerships at the Institute for Functional Nursing (IFN). Together, they pull back the curtain on what functional nursing education actually looks like, how nurses can integrate functional medicine into practice, and why nursing-specific training is so different from traditional functional medicine programs. This conversation explores the foundations of IFN's signature Functional Nursing Program™, including how it teaches to IFM's published clinical competencies, leans heavily into case-study learning, offers holistic nursing certification pathways, supports students interested in entrepreneurship, and how nurses can apply functional medicine principles in real-world clinical settings. Brigitte and Sam also discuss the growing demand for root-cause nursing care, the importance of community and mentorship in nursing education, and why nurses are uniquely positioned to lead the future of preventative and integrative healthcare. If you're curious about functional nursing, holistic nursing certification, or starting your own wellness-focused practice, this episode offers an inside look at what’s possible. Connect with Samantha Hamilton: Director of Growth & Partnerships at the Institute for Functional Nursing Registered Nurse & Functional Nurse Educator Website: https://www.fxnursing.com Attend a Q & A webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zNGnUGlaRzqrJlWzaA6AXw#/registration Schedule a 1 on 1 call: https://calendly.com/samantha-fxnursing/30min

  7. May 8

    Can Nurses Get Certified in Functional Medicine? RN & NP Career Path Explained

    Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing. Learn more about our programs at www.fxnursing.com In this episode of the Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager answers one of the most common questions nurses ask when exploring holistic and functional healthcare: can a registered nurse or nurse practitioner become certified in functional medicine? Brigitte breaks down the current landscape of functional medicine education, explains the difference between certificates and board certifications, clarifies what options are currently available for nurses seeking credibility and advanced training in this growing field and why holistic nursing certification is currently the closest aligned pathway. This episode also explores the future of functional nursing, including the need for a true nursing-specific board certification in functional medicine and why holistic nursing certification may currently be the closest aligned pathway. Brigitte shares insights on IFM certification, holistic nursing credentials, and how nurses can strategically position themselves for career growth in integrative and functional healthcare settings. If you're considering additional education, wondering what credentials matter most, or trying to decide your next step as a functional nurse or nurse practitioner, this episode offers practical guidance and clarity.

  8. Apr 29

    Functional Medicine Conference Takeaways: Gut Health, Brain Health & AI in Healthcare

    Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing. Learn more about our programs at www.fxnursing.com In this episode of the Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager shares key takeaways from the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute (PLMI) conference, founded by Dr. Jeffrey Bland, often called the father of functional medicine. This conference focused on clinical integration and real-world application, offering insights that nurses and practitioners can immediately implement. Brigitte breaks down powerful themes from leading experts in functional medicine, including neurodegeneration and microglial health, the role of inflammation and mitochondrial function, evolving gut health protocols, and the critical impact of circadian rhythm and sleep on metabolic health. She also explores practical nutrition insights, including how taste satisfaction influences eating behaviors, and dives into emerging tools like AI-driven clinical support for functional medicine practitioners. If you're a nurse or healthcare professional looking to stay current and effectively apply functional medicine principles, this episode delivers actionable insights and future-forward thinking.

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A podcast that explores the unique role nurses and nurse practitioners play in practicing the healing art of functional medicine. The show explores many aspects of functional medicine practice, emerging research, and the unique blessings and challenges that RNs and NPs experience when practicing functional medicine. Hosted by Dr. Brigitte Sager a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, functional medicine educator, and the CEO of the Institute for Functional Nursing™ (IFN). https://www.fxnursing.com/ Whether you’re new to the idea of becoming a functional medicine nurse or already practicing this healing modality as a holistic nurse in your current setting, the Functional Nurse Podcast is a way of connecting and speaking to the art functional nursing.

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