The Functional Nurse Podcast - Nursing in Functional Medicine

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.

Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing (IFN) Empowering nurses to lead the future of healthcare through root cause care. Learn more at www.fxnursing.com What does it really mean to be a disruptor in healthcare, and why are nurses uniquely positioned to lead that change? In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager, DNP, dives into how functional nurses are challenging outdated models of care and creating better outcomes through root cause healing, lifestyle medicine, prevention, and education. Drawing from recent insights by Dr. Jeffrey Bland and other functional medicine pioneers, Brigitte explores: What makes a functional medicine nurse a disruptor Why questioning conventional care is a responsibility, not rebellion How functional nurses are transforming care through entrepreneurship, group programs, patient partnerships, and community-based care She also covers the risks, challenges, and rewards of stepping outside the traditional nursing box — from professional reputation and system limitations to policy reform and values-driven practice. If you're a nurse who's ever asked, "Why are we doing it this way?" or felt called to practice differently, this episode is your permission slip to lead, innovate, and disrupt with purpose. Hosted by Brigitte Sager, DNP – Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner and Functional Nursing Educator.

Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing (IFN) www.fxnursing.com In this episode, we unpack what functional nursing really means and why it’s time nurses had their own language and space in the world of functional medicine. We’ll talk about: The difference between functional medicine and functional nursing How this approach aligns with nursing scope and values What makes the Institute for Functional Nursing™ unique Details on our programs, including the Functional Nursing Program™ (with early bird pricing through Monday, December 1st!) If you’re a nurse looking for more alignment, purpose, and tools to truly transform patient care, this episode will feel like coming home. Learn more: https://fxnursing.com Consider starting with our Introduction to Functional Nursing Course. Ready for more? Our full Functional Nursing Program™ is open for registration with deep discounts through Monday, December 1st.

Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing (IFN) www.fxnursing.com In this solo episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager, DNP shares her key takeaways from the PLMI Thought Leaders Consortium, a premier functional healthcare conference founded by Dr. Jeffrey Bland. Brigitte breaks down emerging themes shaping the future of functional nursing and functional healthcare, including immunometabolism, immune system resilience, epigenetics, personalized care, and affordable ways nurses can assess patient health using wearables and basic lab data like the CBC. She explains how tools such as heart rate variability, sleep data, continuous glucose monitors, and immune inflammatory indexes like SII and SIRI can help nurses track patient progress without relying solely on expensive testing. This episode also explores important conversations happening in the functional health space around trust, communication, prescriptions, GLP-1 agonists, longevity, cognitive decline, and the evolving role of nurses as disruptors in healthcare. Brigitte reflects on what it means to practice functional nursing with integrity, maintain strong patient provider relationships, and support patients using a true root cause approach. This episode is ideal for nurses, nurse practitioners, and holistic healthcare professionals who want to stay current on functional health trends, apply conference insights to real world practice, and better understand how nurses are helping shape the future of healthcare. Resources & Links Mentioned: PLMI Thought Leaders Consortium membership and conference recordingsPodcast referenced by Robert LustigFunctional Nursing Summit registrationFunctional Nursing Program

In this episode, Brigitte Sager DNP discusses the importance of establishing healthy boundaries for nurse entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the need for clear communication, setting expectations with patients, and managing appointments effectively to improve patient care and prevent burnout. The conversation covers various strategies for maintaining boundaries, including cancellation policies, limiting the scope of visits, and ensuring self-care for nursing professionals. 💻 Want to stay up to date on the latest in Functional Medicine and nursing? Sign up for the newsletter at: 𝐡𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐬://𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧.𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫.𝐜𝐨𝐦/𝐭𝐡𝐞-f𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥-𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞-𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 to never miss an update. Hosted by Brigitte Sager, DNP, a functional nurse practitioner and holistic nurse educator. https://www.brigittesager.com/ ✔️ Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page. We also now have video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrigitteSagerNP This episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast is proudly sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing (IFN). At IFN, we equip RNs and NPs with the knowledge, confidence, and community to lead the future of healthcare through root-cause, patient-centered practice. We offer membership programs, continuing education, and a comprehensive, evidence informed education in functional nursing, all grounded in systems biology, clinical relevance, and the nursing process. Learn more about our offerings, upcoming courses, and how to join the movement at: https://www.fxnursing.com Be well!

In this conversation, Brigitte Sager, DNP discusses the essential mindset shifts that nurse entrepreneurs need to embrace in order to successfully charge for their services and establish their practices. She emphasizes the importance of valuing one's time, setting boundaries, and avoiding the pitfalls of offering free advice. The discussion also covers the significance of discovery calls and how they should not be treated as free consultations. Ultimately, Brigitte encourages nurses to recognize their expertise and charge accordingly, as this not only benefits them but also the nursing profession as a whole. Want to dive deeper? Visit https://www.fxnursing.com/learn to explore the Holistic Nursing Entrepreneur Program and other courses designed to support your growth as a functional nurse. 💻 Want to stay up to date on the latest in Functional Medicine and nursing? Sign up for the newsletter at: https://learn.brigittesager.com/the-functional-nurse-newsletter-sign-up to never miss an update. Hosted by Brigitte Sager, DNP, a functional nurse practitioner and holistic nurse educator. https://www.brigittesager.com/ ✔️ Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page. We also now have video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrigitteSagerNP Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing, the premier functional medicine program for nursing professionals. Learn more at https://www.fxnursing.com/ Be well!

In this episode of the Functional Nurse Podcast, Tamra Garrick, a board-certified family nurse and founder of Ritual Wellness, shares her journey from sports marketing to nursing. She discusses holistic health, the role of athletics in shaping her approach, common misconceptions about nursing, and the importance of collaboration in functional medicine. Connect with Tamra: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamra-geryk-9429673 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tk_geryk/ Website: https://www.ritualwomenshealth.com/ Website: https://www.holistichealthcode.com/ To stay up to date with the latest and upcoming, please sign up for my newsletter by visiting https://learn.brigittesager.com/the-functional-nurse-newsletter Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator https://www.brigittesager.com/ 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!