The Functional Nurse Podcast - Nursing in Functional Medicine

On this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, I’m diving into key insights from the recent Personal Lifestyle Medicine Institute (PLMI) conference. 🌿✨

From cutting-edge research to actionable strategies, PLMI continues to lead the way in integrating personalized lifestyle medicine into healthcare. As functional nurses and practitioners, staying ahead of these trends is essential for empowering patients and creating meaningful change in our system.

💡 If you’ve been curious about what’s next for personalized care in healthcare, this is the episode for you!

For more about PLMI, including their membership benefits, visit: https://plminstitute.org.

💻 Want to stay updated on the latest in functional medicine and nursing? Sign up for my newsletter at BrigitteSager.com to never miss an update.

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. We also now have video episodes on YouTube! 

Be well!

In this engaging episode, host Brigitte Sager introduces special guest Rose Acholla, MSN APRN FNP-C RN NC, an experienced ICU nurse and family nurse practitioner, who shares her inspiring journey from traditional healthcare to holistic and functional medicine. With 13 years in critical care and as an NP since 2021, Rose explains how she began to feel limited by conventional approaches in primary care. Seeking a deeper way to support her patients, she found functional medicine through INCA, completing courses in Functional Medicine for Nurses and Nurse Coaching. Rose then launched RA Coaching and Consulting LLC in December 2023 to offer a holistic approach to wellness.

Operating in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, her mission is to provide personalized care, especially for underserved populations in their 40's to 60's, empowering them to take control of their health and wellness journey. She is especially passionate about working with clients on managing chronic disease, promoting wellness, and empowering women through their hormonal shifts and life transitions. Throughout, Rose highlights the importance of meeting clients where they are, tailoring care plans to fit each individual’s goals, needs, and capacity for change.

🖊️ You can connect with Rose via her website: https://msha.ke/revitalizewellnesswithrose 

And you can follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revitalizewellnesswithrose/ 

and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564615112459 

To stay up to date with the latest and upcoming, please sign up for my newsletter by visiting BrigitteSager.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. We also now have video episodes on YouTube! 

Be well!

In this bonus episode of the Functional Nurse Podcast, host Brigitte Sager shares exciting news for nurses interested in entrepreneurship. After listening to feedback from students in her functional medicine course, Brigitte realized that many nurses need guidance on starting their own businesses, especially in functional medicine and holistic healthcare. She discusses the challenges nurses face, like business structure, marketing, and client acquisition, and announces the launch of a new mentorship and entrepreneurial program designed to help nurses build their practices.

Brigitte invites nurses to apply for the Founders Launch, which will include small group sessions twice a month. Participants will help shape the content of the full program, ensuring it addresses the real-world challenges they face. The program will include expert insights on business topics such as legal considerations, marketing, and healthcare documentation. The Founders will also receive full access to the program upon its official launch in early 2025.

To apply for the Founder's Launch Program, please click here!

To stay up to date with the latest and upcoming, please sign up for my newsletter by visiting BrigitteSager.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. We also now have video episodes on YouTube! 

Be well!

In this insightful episode, host Brigitte Sager interviews Rebekah Sireci BSN, RN, the founder of Bare Health Co. Rebekah shares her inspiring journey into nursing, which began after a life-changing car accident as a teenager. Though she initially pursued a career in the corporate world, she later followed her passion for healthcare, training as a nurse in England. Specializing in oncology, Rebekah reflects on her experiences caring for cancer patients, the compassion that drives her work, and her observations on the impact of mindset and lifestyle changes on health outcomes.

Rebekah also discusses her transition to the U.S., where she continued her work in oncology but felt something was missing from the conventional medical approach. This realization led her to explore functional medicine, which blends traditional treatments with holistic practices like diet and lifestyle changes. As a functional medicine nurse and holistic health coach, Rebekah is passionate about addressing the root causes of illness and empowering individuals to take control of their health. Tune in to hear about her fascinating career path, the lessons she’s learned from her patients, and the powerful connection between mindset, functional medicine, and healing.

🖊️ You can connect with Rebekah via her website: http://www.barehealthco.com

And you can follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barehealthco_/ 

To stay up to date with the latest and upcoming, please sign up for my newsletter by visiting BrigitteSager.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. We also now have video episodes on YouTube! 

Be well!

In this episode, functional medicine nurse practitioner Brigitte Sager shares important updates and emerging topics in functional nursing. From the availability of continuous glucose monitors over the counter to new certification processes by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), this episode covers the latest developments that are shaping the future of functional nursing. Brigitte discusses how CGMs can empower patients with metabolic issues and previews exciting changes in functional medicine certification for nurses and nurse practitioners.

Brigitte also delves into building confidence in new roles, mentorship, and the growing need for business support for functional nurses. Whether you're a seasoned RN or just stepping into functional medicine, this episode offers key insights and practical information to support your journey.

To read the AJN article, use this link https://journals.lww.com/ajnonline/fulltext/2024/10000/functional_medicine_in_nursing.19.aspx?context=featuredarticles&collectionid=1

To stay up to date with the latest and upcoming, please sign up for my newsletter by visiting BrigitteSager.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. We also now have video episodes on YouTube! 

Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager interviews Jazmine Reyes, RN, BSN, BC-NC, about her journey from ICU nursing to holistic and functional medicine practice. Jaz shares her experiences as a travel nurse during the pandemic, which led her to shift towards a more intentional, slow-paced, and ancestral approach to health. Together, they discuss how nurses can integrate ancestral wisdom, mindfulness, and slowing down into modern healthcare while navigating the challenges of burnout and fast-paced environments.

Brigitte and Jaz explore how functional medicine and holistic nursing can reconnect patients to core health principles, such as nutrition, emotional well-being, and mindfulness. They discuss the importance of gut health, stress management, and taking time to slow down in a world that often prioritizes speed. This episode is an insightful resource for RNs, NPs, and holistic nurse coaches eager to learn more about functional nursing practices.

You can connect with Jazmine via her website: www.jazmine-reyes.com  

Jazmine's blog: https://jazminereyes.substack.com/ 

And you can follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raw.holistics/ 

Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator.

This episode and others now available to watch via YouTube here!

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!

In this episode, functional medicine nurse practitioner Brigitte Sager shares her thoughts on how nurses can transform healthcare through holistic and functional nursing practices. Brigitte discusses the critical role nurses play in reshaping healthcare systems by stepping into leadership and entrepreneurial roles, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and ethics. She explores how functional medicine empowers nurses to address root causes of chronic health issues, offering a more personalized approach to patient care. Brigitte also reflects on the challenges and opportunities for nurses to build their own practices while staying true to their core nursing values.

Brigitte highlights the connection between functional medicine and traditional nursing, encouraging RNs and NPs to embrace entrepreneurship, leadership, and holistic approaches to healthcare. She explains how functional nursing can not only improve patient outcomes but also position nurses as key players in healthcare innovation. Whether you're an RN, NP, or holistic nurse coach, this episode provides valuable insights into how functional medicine can revolutionize patient care.

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. We also now have video episodes on YouTube! 

Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse podcast, host Brigitte Sager, DNP, discusses a frequent question: Should a nurse call themselves a health coach?

Brigitte addresses the differences between calling oneself a nurse coach versus a health coach and the legal and professional implications. She explains the importance of protecting the nurse’s license and adhering to scope of practice laws, especially in different states.

Key points covered in this episode:

Nurse Coaching vs. Health Coaching: Brigitte explains that while “nurse coaching” might confuse people (they may think it’s about coaching nurses), removing the title of nurse to be a health coach can cause issues. Nurses have legal scope of practice requirements that health coaches do not. She emphasizes that nurses are trusted professionals, and keeping the title “nurse” can be an advantage.

Legal Risks: Nurses must be cautious when crossing state lines with their services. Referring to oneself as a health coach and practicing outside of one’s licensed states can lead to legal investigations. Nurses should always work within their state licenses and scope of practice.

Advanced Practice Nurses: For nurse practitioners, midwives, and CRNAs, they are always held to their highest level of licensure. Brigitte advises seeking legal counsel when expanding beyond the typical scope of their advanced practice.

Billing Opportunities for Nurses: Unlike health coaches, registered nurses can bill for services in a clinic setting. RNs can perform group visits, nursing visits, and coaching visits that are billable through insurance. Nurse coaches can provide services that directly benefit a clinic and its patients, offering more comprehensive care than health coaches can.

Brigitte encourages nurses to proudly use their title, emphasizing that being a “nurse coach” has significant value for patients and the healthcare system. It also protects the nurse's hard-earned license while ensuring they are working within their scope of 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. We also now have video episodes on YouTube! 

Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse podcast, host Brigitte Sager, DNP, answers a frequently asked question: Can a registered nurse become certified in functional medicine?

Brigitte, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, delves into the topic of certification and board certification, specifically for nurses interested in pursuing functional medicine. She explains the current options available for nurses and nurse practitioners and the difference between a certificate of completion and a true board certification.

Key points discussed include:

There is currently no board certification specifically for functional medicine nurses, but nurses can obtain certificates of completion through various programs like the one offered by the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy (INCA).

Programs may offer certifications, but Brigitte cautions against courses that create their own certification exams, as they do not meet the rigor of a board certification.

Nurses and nurse practitioners can pursue certifications like the IFM Certified Practitioner (IFMCP) through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), although the certification is geared toward prescribing providers.

Brigitte highlights the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC), which offers holistic nursing certifications and encourages nurses to consider these certifications to validate their knowledge and skills in holistic care.

Looking ahead, Brigitte shares her optimism for the creation of a functional medicine board certification for nurses in the future and her personal commitment to advocate for such certification.

For now, nurses interested in validating their holistic or functional medicine knowledge can explore options such as the holistic nursing board certification or pursue additional training through IFM. Brigitte also encourages nurses to keep their eye on future developments in this area.

As mentioned in this episode, American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation: https://www.ahncc.org/

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. We also now have video episodes on YouTube! 

Be well!

In this episode of The Functional Nurse podcast, host Brigitte Sager, DNP, sits down with Pamela Melson, a dedicated nurse coach with over 30 years of experience in blending allopathic and integrative medicine. Pamela is passionate about holistic community and mental health care, emphasizing mindfulness, self-care, and functional medicine to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout among healthcare professionals. As a clinical assistant professor and senior faculty member at the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy, Pamela is a trusted mentor and educator for nurses and students alike.

Key insights from the episode include:

Pamela’s unique journey from lay midwife to nurse coach, including her early hesitance toward allopathic medicine and her eventual embrace of integrative practices.

The profound impact of learning nurse coaching and functional medicine, highlighting her transformative experience working with Dr. Barbara Dossey and the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy.

How functional medicine has shaped Pamela’s approach to education, emphasizing root cause analysis and holistic care to combat burnout in nursing.

Pamela’s reflections on her teaching role at Oklahoma City University and how she empowers her students to trust their intuition and embrace the full scope of nursing care.

The importance of supporting healthcare professionals in navigating stress and burnout through mindfulness, functional medicine, and holistic self-care practices.

Pamela and Brigitte also discuss the future of holistic nursing and the growing opportunities for nurse coaches to collaborate with healthcare providers, improving patient care while creating more sustainable careers for nurses.

You can find Pamela via her website: https://nurturepathcoaching.com/

Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator.

This episode and others now available to watch via YouTube here!

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!