What Should I Call Myself? Functional Nurse or Functional Medicine Nurse

Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing — Learn more at www.fxnursing.com

“What should I call myself?”

It’s one of the most common questions nurses ask when stepping into functional medicine, integrative care, lifestyle medicine, or holistic nursing practice.

In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager, DNP, IFMCP, breaks down the practical and ethical differences between common titles such as:

• Functional Nurse

• Functional Medicine Nurse

• Holistic Nurse

• Integrative Nurse

• Lifestyle Medicine Nurse

• Consultant vs Practitioner

She explains how to choose a professional title that:

 Aligns with your state scope of practice
 Reflects what you offer
 Matches patient expectations
 Supports ethical marketing
 Avoids overstating certification or credentials

She reinforces that the true marker of functional practice is not the label — it’s whether you consistently ask “why?” and apply root-cause, systems-based thinking.

This episode is essential listening for nurses building a functional or holistic practice who want to lead with clarity, professionalism, and integrity.

Explore functional nursing education at: www.fxnursing.com