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, DNP breaks down one of the most common questions nurses and nurse practitioners ask: should you go back to school, and if so, which path is right for you? From BSN to MSN, nurse practitioner programs, DNP vs PhD, and beyond, this episode explores the real impact of advanced degrees on your career, scope of practice, income potential, and long-term fulfillment. More importantly, this conversation challenges the assumption that more education is always the answer. Brigitte shares insights from her own journey and from working with over a thousand RNs and NPs navigating burnout, career transitions, and the shift toward functional and integrative healthcare. If you're questioning your next step, considering entrepreneurship, or feeling pulled toward a more aligned way of practicing nursing, this episode will help you clarify your goals and make a more intentional decision about your future.

So you’re thinking about starting a holistic nursing business? Amazing. But before you launch that website or invest in a program, there are a few things you need to hear—things most people don’t tell you when you’re just starting out. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to become a nurse entrepreneur in the holistic space. We’ll talk about the emotional rollercoaster, the real cost (in time or money), and the surprising skills you’ll have to learn along the way. You’ll hear hard-earned truths like: Why “if you build it, they will come” is a myth (and what to do instead) Why passion isn’t enough—and what you’ll need to learn to succeed Why crying (sometimes out of nowhere) is part of the process And why there's plenty of room for you in this space—even if someone else in town is doing something similar Whether you’re in the dreaming phase or already building your practice, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and seriously prepared. It’s not supposed to be easy—but it is worth it. Let’s talk about it. Learn more about what we offer at the Institute for Functional Nursing or join the movement at fxnursing.com Considering our Holistic Nursing Entrepreneur Program™? Learn more here: https://learn.fxnursing.com/hnep Subscribe for more episodes on nurse entrepreneurship, holistic care, and transforming healthcare through nursing.

Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing. Learn more about our courses and programs at www.fxnursing.com. In this episode, Brigitte Sager, DNP IFMCP shares a major milestone for IFN: the official launch of the first cohort of the Functional Nursing Program. She also shares highlights from two recent conferences: the AANP Health Policy Conference in Washington, DC and the Integrative Healthcare Symposium in New York City, where IFN hosted its first ever exhibitor booth. Brigitte recaps key takeaways from health policy advocacy on Capitol Hill, and reflects on why nurses must show up, increase policymakers’ understanding, and communicate in language that resonates with constituents. She also shares insights from the NYC symposium, including emerging themes around GLP-1s, brain health, nitric oxide and the glymphatic system, imaging as a tool in functional care, and the realities of nutrition research. The episode closes with behind the scenes lessons from launching the IFN booth, building partnerships, advocating for registered nurses to be recognized by functional lab companies, and navigating a surprise blizzard that extended the trip.

Thinking about becoming a functional medicine nurse? Before you dive in, there are a few things you need to know. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 hard-earned truths I wish every nurse knew before stepping into functional nursing. This isn’t just a career shift—it’s a whole new way of thinking about patient care, your scope, and your purpose as a nurse. We’ll talk about: Why you’ll never feel fully “ready”—and why that’s okay What makes functional medicine feel like coming home to nursing How to stop thinking in silos and start treating the whole person Why you don’t need 50 labs or supplements to be effective And why this path might finally align with why you became a nurse in the first place Whether you're exploring root-cause healing, looking for more autonomy, or just craving work that matters—this episode is for you. Let’s redefine what it means to be a nurse in today’s healthcare system. Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing. Learn more about IFN's current programs at https://www.fxnursing.com Subscribe for more episodes on holistic nursing, functional medicine, and building your dream practice.

Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing. Learn more about our programs at www.fxnursing.com Functional psychiatry is one of the least common niches in the functional medicine world, but it is often where patients experience some of the most profound “whole person” care. In this episode, Brigitte Sager interviews Everest Goldstein, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and IFM certified clinician, about what functional psychiatry really means, how she built her practice, and why nursing is uniquely positioned to lead in this space. Everest shares her own turning point after Lyme disease, when a provider spent the time to take a full functional history and connect the dots. From there, she explains how functional psychiatry treats depression and anxiety as symptoms with root causes, not labels that end the conversation. You’ll hear practical, surprising examples of how gut health, cortisol dysregulation, dysbiosis, H. pylori, constipation, and yeast overgrowth can drive mood symptoms, and why foundations like sleep, stress, movement, and nutrition matter more than “shiny objects” like endless supplements, peptides, or IVs. They also discuss building community as a clinician, the realities of starting a practice, and how nurses can confidently work within scope by focusing on foundational health behaviors and patient education. Missed the Redefining the Future of Nursing Summit? Click here to get access to all the session replays. Key Takeaways Functional psychiatry is a root-cause approach that integrates conventional and functional tools to restore whole-person health Depression and anxiety can reflect underlying physiology such as gut dysfunction, cortisol patterns, hormones, sleep disruption, or unresolved trauma Gut health is a recurring driver in mental health cases, including dysbiosis, H. pylori, constipation, and yeast overgrowth “Treatment-resistant depression” often signals an incomplete root-cause workup, not a lack of options Many medication side effects and poor responses make more sense when you evaluate stress physiology (including low cortisol patterns) Nurses can create major impact within scope by prioritizing foundations: nutrition, sleep, movement, stress regulation, and lifestyle change support New functional providers often overuse supplements; experienced clinicians typically simplify and return to the basics Sustainable practice building requires boundaries, community, and a clear niche that patients can understand Featured Guest Everest Goldstein, PMHNP-BC, IFMCP Founder, Everest Functional Psychiatry and Wellness, and Evergreen Functional Collective Facebook Instagram

Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing – Explore courses and training at www.fxnursing.com Elimination diets sound simple on paper, but in real life, they can create confusion, overwhelm, and unexpected setbacks for both nurses and their patients. In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager breaks down the top 7 challenges functional medicine nurses face when guiding clients through an elimination diet, and how to set the stage for success from the start. You’ll learn how to help patients navigate challenges and avoid common reintroduction mistakes that sabotage their hard work. Topics include: How to choose the right timing and “create space” before starting Simplifying to reduce overwhelm and prevent burnout What to do when patients feel worse before they feel better How to handle slip-ups Making the reintroduction phase a true experiment with structure and tracking Avoiding common mistakes like reintroducing foods during illness or flare-ups Why food sensitivities are not the root cause This episode empowers nurses to guide patients with confidence, empathy, and clarity while also keeping the focus on gut repair, root cause healing, and sustainable behavior change. Access the full course: A Functional Nursing Approach to Food Reactions Learn more about IFN's trainings and resources for functional medicine nurses at: https://www.fxnursing.com/learn

Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing. Learn more about our programs at fxnursing.com Functional Medicine is meant to be about healing the root cause, not just managing symptoms—but not every provider or clinic claiming to practice “FM” is truly doing it. In this powerful episode, I share a personal (and fully permitted) story about a loved one who finally sought Functional Medicine help—only to end up in a clinic focused more on selling expensive labs and supplements than offering real clinical strategy, support, or individualized care. This isn’t about calling out individuals. It’s about protecting patients—especially those who are vulnerable, overwhelmed, or desperate for answers. I've had this same type of conversation with hundreds of RNs and NPs, and its an all too common problem. Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, searching for integrative support, or trying to help a loved one who’s struggling, this conversation will help you understand how to identify red flags, ask the right questions, and recognize when a provider isn’t truly practicing root-cause Functional Medicine. Learn how to vet Functional Medicine providers Discover the red flags of “brand-based” FM vs. process-based FM Understand why supplement-heavy protocols often miss the mark Explore the importance of patient readiness before starting care See why IFM training is a valuable (but not foolproof) signal If you're looking for ethical, effective, and personalized root-cause care—this episode is for you. In This Episode: Signs a clinic may be using "Functional Medicine" as a sales tactic Why supplement-first protocols often backfire How to ask better questions before spending thousands The role of readiness in healing (and how to support someone who’s not ready yet) The value of proper Functional Medicine training (like IFM) If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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, Brigitte interviews Ryan Obermeier of Evexia Diagnostics to show nurses exactly how to streamline functional lab testing inside a holistic or functional nursing practice. We break down how Evexia centralizes thousands of functional and specialty tests, simplifies ordering, integrates with systems like Practice Better, and reduces the administrative burden that often slows down new and growing practices. Ryan explains Evexia’s Internal Physician Network, which supports nurses who need physician authorization for specialty testing, as well as the Ask the Doctor program for clinical interpretation of advanced labs. We also cover Evexia’s Functional Health Report, supply management, troubleshooting support, white-label marketing tools, and how nursing using the link below can access exclusive perks, waived fees, and discounted resources. Whether you're launching a functional nursing practice or scaling an established clinic, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for improving efficiency, patient outcomes, and clinical confidence through better lab workflows. What We Cover in This Conversation: • How Evexia centralizes thousands of functional & specialty lab tests • Streamlined ordering, processing, and automated reporting • EHR integration with Practice Better and other platforms • Functional Health Report for blood chemistry interpretation • Internal Physician Network for non-licensed or collaborating providers • Ask the Doctor program for specialty lab interpretation • Reducing hidden costs, operational friction, and admin overwhelm • White-label and marketing tools available through the link below • How nurses can register and access waived fees + bonus support Functional Nurses Offer: Register With Evexia Diagnostics Evexia is extending exclusive benefits for our functional nursing community of RNs and NPs, including waived fees and access to additional support tools. Create your account here: https://www.evexiadiagnostics.com/lp/brigitte-sager-landing-registration-page

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 episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, host Brigitte Sager, DNP, IFMCP speaks with Megan Kroeker, MSN, NP, IFMCP about her journey into functional medicine, the importance of prioritizing personal health, and the value of functional nursing in today's healthcare landscape. They discuss the challenges and rewards of starting a private practice in Canada, the significance of using timelines in patient care, and the role of intuition in functional nursing. Megan shares insights on building a supportive community among nurses and the future of functional nursing as a vital part of healthcare. Connect with Megan: Visit her website: https://functionalnp.ca/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megankroeker_functionalnp/# Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/functionalnpmegankroeker 💻 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/@fxnursing 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

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 recordings Podcast referenced by Robert Lustig Functional Nursing Summit registration Functional Nursing Program

With the foundational Functional Medicine for Nurses course coming to an end, many nurses are asking, what now? Brigitte Sager, DNP answers that question and maps out the next steps for nurses who want to bring functional approaches into practice. She explains why functional nursing is more than a rebrand, how it reclaims nursing roles as healers, teachers, and leaders, and why nurses need clear scope, community, and clinical support to apply these concepts safely. Brigitte also shares details about the Institute for Functional Nursing, current CE courses, the membership community with live case reviews, and the full functional nursing program launching in early 2026. If you want practical training that is built by nurses for nurses, or if you are wondering how to integrate functional care into your setting, this episode explains how to get started and where to find mentorship and resources. Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing, the premier functional medicine program for nursing professionals. Learn more and join the waitlist at fxnursing.com/learn. Register for the free Redefining the Future of Nursing summit at fxnursing.com/summit. 💻 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 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!

Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing. Learn more about our programs at www.fxnursing.com In this episode of the Functional Nursing Podcast, Brigitte Sager sits down with Barb Hudak—former Air Force Major, cardiac ICU nurse, and integrative practitioner—to explore how functional nurses can use nervous system regulation to support patient healing and improve clinical outcomes. With over 40 years of experience spanning military healthcare, Mayo Clinic leadership, and holistic practice, Barb shares how tools like HeartMath and heart rate variability (HRV) can be applied in real-world nursing to help patients regulate stress, improve resilience, and support recovery from chronic illness. You’ll learn how nervous system dysregulation contributes to disease, the role of emotional suppression in long-term health, and how nurses can integrate simple, evidence-informed techniques into everyday patient care. This episode bridges the gap between traditional nursing and functional medicine—offering practical strategies you can start using right away. Whether you're a registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP), or transitioning into functional or integrative nursing, this conversation will expand how you think about patient care, stress physiology, and healing. Connect with Barb Hudak: Location: Sedona, Arizona Website: https://www.heartfulintegrations.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartful.integrations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartfulintegrations1111

In this conversation, Brigitte Sager DNP discusses the evolving landscape of functional nursing, emphasizing the importance of nurses as advocates for change in healthcare. She highlights the need for a shift towards a more holistic approach to patient care, where nurses can utilize their skills to address root causes of health issues. The discussion also covers the significance of certification in functional nursing, the establishment of a supportive community for nurses, and the future of functional nursing education. Join Us: Be part of the movement shaping the future of nursing: Connect with like minded nurses in our IFN Membership Community: learn.fxnursing.com/the-functional-nursing-membership Sign up for the Semester Program Waitlist: learn.fxnursing.com/the-functional-nursing-program Save your spot for our Summit in November: fxnursing.com/summit 💻 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 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!