The Functional Nurse Podcast - Nursing in Functional Medicine

An Interview with Katie Oshita: a Lactation Consultant and Functional Nurse

In this episode, I interview Katie Oshita, BSN, RN, IBCLC.  Katie is a Registered Nurse and a board certified lactation consultant. Katie has completed coursework in Functional Medicine for Nurses, and she shares her experiences adding functional nursing to her offerings in her online private practice.
You can learn more about Katie on her website www.cuddlesandmilk.com or email her at katie@cuddlesandmilk.com
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 to the website and podcast.
Be well!

Twelve Surprising Places You Can Work As a Functional Nurse

In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager, DNP, walks you through 12 surprising places where functional nurses are making a significant impact. From primary care clinics to school nursing, hospitals, cardiology, and beyond, this episode reveals how functional medicine is transforming healthcare in diverse settings. Brigitte explores the role of functional nurses in innovative ways, including running their own practices, working in endocrinology, and even contributing in retirement. Whether you're curious about where functional nurses thrive or considering functional medicine as a career shift, this episode is packed with inspiring ideas.
Brigitte also shares insights from her experiences as a nurse practitioner, functional medicine consultant, and educator, shedding light on how functional medicine principles can enhance traditional nursing roles.
 
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 to the website and podcast..
Be well!

An Interview with Jill Jefferson: a Nurse Coach Incorporating Functional Medicine into Her Private Practice

In this episode, host Brigitte Sager, DNP, interviews Jill Jefferson, RN, BSN, HWN-BC, a holistic nurse and nurse coach with a passion for functional medicine. Jill shares her journey from business and economics to nursing, and how her interest in integrative approaches like acupuncture and yoga led her to embrace functional medicine. Together, Brigitte and Jill discuss how functional medicine bridges the gap between Eastern and Western healthcare practices by addressing the root cause of illness rather than just managing symptoms.
Jill also offers insight into starting her coaching practice, combining functional medicine and holistic tools, and empowering clients to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Whether you’re a nurse thinking about starting a private practice or looking to deepen your coaching skills, Jill’s journey and practical advice will inspire and guide you.
You can read more about Jill here: https://www.nhhealthwellness.com/team/jill-jefferson 
 
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 to the website and podcast..
Be well!
 

Evaluating the Evidence from a Functional Medicine Perspective

In this episode, functional medicine nurse practitioner and educator Brigitte Sager explains how to effectively evaluate evidence in healthcare, specifically within the realm of functional medicine. Brigitte shares strategies for identifying reliable research, reviewing studies critically, and finding the most up-to-date, relevant data for best practices. From understanding the hierarchy of studies to exploring why functional medicine may not always have the large-scale trials seen in conventional medicine, this episode equips nurses, NPs, and healthcare practitioners with tools to make evidence-based decisions in functional medicine.
This episode is perfect for any healthcare professional curious about how to balance research with functional and holistic interventions. You’ll learn why smaller cohort studies and case studies are often more applicable in functional medicine and how to navigate PubMed and other research tools to find quality evidence to support your practice.
 
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 to the website and podcast..
Be well!

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.