The Functional Nurse Podcast - Nursing in Functional Medicine

Is Functional Medicine Evidence Based? The Nursing Perspective

In this episode, functional medicine nurse practitioner and educator Brigitte Sager addresses the question: "Is functional medicine evidence-based?" Brigitte explores how functional medicine relies on core scientific principles like biochemistry and pathophysiology. She discusses why large-scale studies might not validate the root-cause approach of functional medicine but highlights how case studies, cohort research, and fundamental science provide strong evidence for its effectiveness. By addressing the root cause of chronic conditions, rather than just managing symptoms, functional medicine has helped many patients heal and reverse diseases.
Brigitte emphasizes that functional medicine is deeply rooted in scientific evidence, even though it doesn't always follow the conventional path of randomized control trials. She encourages healthcare practitioners to look beyond traditional guidelines and consider the holistic, personalized care that functional medicine offers. This episode is essential for any RN or NP looking to integrate evidence-based holistic practices into their care model.
 
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.
Be well!

Can a Registered Nurse Practice Functional Medicine?

In this episode, functional medicine nurse practitioner and nurse educator Brigitte Sager answers a critical question often asked by her students: "Can a registered nurse practice functional medicine?" Brigitte dives into the scope of practice for RNs, emphasizing that education, advocacy, and promoting wellness are well within the scope of a registered nurse. While this episode is not a substitute for legal advice, it offers clarity on the significant role RNs can play in functional medicine without overstepping into diagnosis or prescription, and addresses common misconceptions about supplements and lab work.
Brigitte explores how registered nurses can use their foundational nursing skills to educate patients about root causes of health conditions and guide them towards healing. Whether you're an RN or NP, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how to practice functional medicine within their scope, while focusing on lifestyle changes and patient empowerment, not just medical diagnoses.
 
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 in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine, 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.
Be well!

My Journey to Nursing and Functional Medicine

In this episode, functional medicine nurse practitioner and nurse educator Brigitte Sager shares her personal journey to becoming a nurse and a functional medicine practitioner. Brigitte dives into her early experiences in healthcare, the frustrations she faced with the limitations of traditional nursing practices, and how discovering functional medicine transformed her career. She discusses the shift from symptom management to root cause analysis and how it has helped her find true healing for herself and her patients. This episode is filled with insights for nurses and healthcare practitioners looking to explore functional medicine and learn how it can align with their professional goals.
Brigitte emphasizes the critical role functional medicine plays in empowering patients and practitioners alike, guiding them beyond the typical "diagnose and prescribe" model of care. Whether you're a nurse, nurse practitioner, or nurse coach, this episode offers valuable insights into integrating functional medicine into your practice while remaining patient-centered. Listen in to find inspiration and practical advice on becoming a more holistic healthcare provider.
 
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 in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine, 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.
Be well!

What is Functional Medicine?

In this episode, functional medicine nurse practitioner and nurse educator Brigitte Sager answers the core question: "What is functional medicine?" She explains how functional medicine differs from traditional healthcare by focusing on root causes rather than symptom management. Brigitte breaks down how chronic health conditions are on the rise due to modern lifestyles and shares real-world examples of how functional medicine seeks to identify the unique causes of conditions like hypertension. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of why functional medicine is gaining popularity, what it truly entails, and debunks some common misconceptions, such as its reliance on expensive supplements and tests.
In this episode, Brigitte emphasizes how functional medicine helps nurses and healthcare practitioners become partners in their patients' healing journey. This approach goes beyond diagnosing and medicating, diving into lifestyle factors, biochemistry, and nutrient needs to empower patients to take charge of their own health. For nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse coaches looking to integrate functional medicine into their practice, this episode provides a valuable foundation on the essential differences between functional and conventional care, making it a must-listen for any healthcare professional.
 
Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator.
For more information on the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine, click here.
Consider sharing this podcast with other nurses on your social media platforms, in a text, or listen together on this page or at this link. 
Be well!

The Functional Nurse Podcast Trailer

A podcast that explores the unique role nurses and nurse practitioners RNs and NPs 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 nurses experience when practicing functional medicine. Hosted by Brigitte Sager- a family nurse practitioner, board certified functional medicine practitioner, nurse coach, and the creator and lead faculty of Functional Medicine for Nurses course taught through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine.
To learn more about the course click here.
You can share the podcast with your nurse friends using this link.