"I feel like I've come HOME as a nurse"
Nurses tell me every day that functional nursing is exactly what they'd been searching for—an approach that aligns with the true essence of nursing: healing the whole person. It’s about more than treating symptoms; it’s about addressing root causes, empowering patients to take control of their health, and providing compassionate, patient-centered care. In this space, you can reconnect with your purpose as a nurse, bringing together science, empathy, and a holistic approach that supports lifelong wellness. Welcome home.
We're Making a Real Difference!
This means we're able to go beyond managing their symptoms—it’s about empowering them to take control of their own health and addressing the underlying causes of their illness. Through holistic and functional nursing, you can make a deeper impact by considering the physical, emotional, and environmental factors affecting their well-being. This approach allows you to provide care that is comprehensive and truly transformative, guiding patients on a path to lasting wellness and preventing future illness. It’s nursing with purpose and intention.
Reclaim Your Nursing Vitality
Feeling tired, overwhelmed, and burned out as a nurse? You’re not alone. The constant pressure, long hours, and endless patient demands can drain even the most passionate caregivers. Holistic and functional nursing offer a way to reconnect with the true heart of nursing. By focusing on root-cause healing, patient empowerment, and a more meaningful, whole-person approach, you can find renewed purpose and fulfillment in your work. It’s a chance to step away from the grind and rediscover why you became a nurse in the first place.
Helping Nurses Thrive is My Passion
I’m Brigitte Sager, DNP, a family nurse practitioner and nurse educator passionate about empowering nurses to lead the charge in holistic, functional healthcare. With years of experience in both traditional and functional medicine, I have created many course offerings and ways to guide nurses toward more meaningful, patient-centered care. My goal is to help you thrive in your practice and become a leader in the future of nursing.
DNP ARNP FNP-C APHN-BC HWNC-BC AFMC CNE
Institute for Functional Nursing™ Co-Founder | Chief Executive Officer
Functional Nurse Practitioner
Board Certified Nurse Educator
Current and Upcoming Holistic Nursing Educational Opportunities
Taught through the Institute for Functional Nursing™, Monique Class ARNP and myself are working closely with the Institute for Functional Medicine to develop a training program specifically designed for nursing professionals to become prepared to test for functional medicine board certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine certification process.
The program will be a comprehensive functional medicine program for RNs and NPs. It will be delivered in two semesters, and the first semester is expected to launch in 2025. Our goal is to have nurses ready to test during IFMs first window for the new certification in early 2026. Click here to be the first to know when more details are released and registration opens.
The Holistic Nursing Entrepreneur Program™is designed for nurses ready to build and grow their own holistic practices with guidance created FOR NURSES! This program provides the tools, insights and strategies you need to succeed as an entrepreneurial nurse, combining your passion for patient care with the skills to run a thriving business. Learn more and register by clicking here!
The Functional Nursing Membership™- offered through the Institute for Functional Nursing™- is a monthly membership designed to support nurses in integrating functional medicine into their practice. This membership offers exclusive access to ongoing education, resources, and a community of like-minded professionals. Learn more and register by clicking here!
The Functional Medicine for Nurses™ course, offered through INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), is a comprehensive 12-week, 84-contact-hour program designed specifically for RNs and NPs. It equips nurses with the skills to implement functional medicine in their practice by focusing on root-cause healing and patient-centered care. Nurses will gain in-depth knowledge of biochemistry, gut health, stress, and more, alongside practical case studies to enhance real-world application. Learn more and sign up here.
Taught through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine, the Nutrition for Nurses™ course empowers nurses with evidence-based nutritional science to improve patient outcomes. This 15-module, self-paced program, created in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine, equips registered nurses and nurse practitioners to integrate nutrition into patient care, addressing everything from digestion and gut health to chronic conditions. Nurses will gain 50 contact hours and benefit from live monthly webinars with expert faculty. Ready to enhance your skills and offer holistic care? Learn more and sign up here.
Testimonials
Moya P. Butler MSN, FNP-BC
Anna Burt RN, BSN,
NC-BC
Rebecca M. Paschall, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
"When I think about Brigitte as a teacher and mentor, these words come to mind...Compassionate, Principled, Calming and Motivational. Learning from her in the Functional Medicine For Nurses course and working with her in the Founder's Group has truly been a transformative experience for me as a person and as an Entrepreneurial FNP. Her drive to teach and her support along every step of my journey has been invaluable. Brigette genuinely cares about her students' well-being and personal growth. I want to continue working with Brigette as she revolutionizes the face and future of functional nursing and healthcare. I highly recommend her courses for anyone looking for an exceptional educator in the field of Functional Medicine."
"The Functional Medicine Course with Brigitte was excellent, it was exactly what I needed both professionally and personally. This course filled the gaps in my practice and my own health journey. I feel the best I have felt my entire life and am now so much better equipped to help others. Brigitte was an amazing instructor and guide. Her knowledge and understanding of the concepts were exceptional and her ability to explain and teach was the same. She took extra time outside of meetings and lectures to help me grow and understand things better when I needed. She was also always kind and supportive when I asked questions. Brigitte is a fantastic nurse to learn from and her course was well thought out and organized. I am a forever grateful student."
"I recently took a course with Brigitte Sager NP, and it was an outstanding experience. Her teaching style is clear and straightforward, making complex topics easy to grasp. The course provided far more value than others I've encountered, laying a solid foundation for my learning.
What stands out most is her genuine passion for the subject. It’s evident that her focus is on student growth rather than profit. I left the course feeling inspired and equipped with the knowledge gained from her course. I highly recommend Brigitte to anyone looking to deepen their understanding with anything she has to offer!"
Laura Senic, BSN, RN,
CHPN
“Brigitte is exceptional at educating and supporting nurses. Her courses have motivated me to take the road less traveled, and I feel empowered to be the change I want to see in our healthcare system.”
Doreen Benoit, MSN,
APRN, FNP-C
"Brigitte offers a supportive learning environment that fosters understanding and empowers action. I am more confident to navigate the challenges of starting my Nurse Practitioner business through Brigitte's example and teachings. Brigitte talks about having a solid foundation to build from and her influence has provided that base for me to execute and dream big!"
Nicole Brzuchalski, RN, BSN
"Brigitte is helping pave the way for functional nurses and nurse entrepreneurs, and it has been such an honor to be able to learn from her! She has so much knowledge and experience to share and is so encouraging. Not only has she taught me the foundations of functional medicine and about building a nursing business, but she has also helped me make the mindset shifts necessary to be a successful holistic nurse entrepreneur."
Michelle Reynolds RN, BSN, HNB-BC, IA-C
"My relationship with Brigitte started when I decided to take her Functional Medicine for Nurses course. I am so glad I did because I learned so much from her and it gave me clarity on where I want to grow in my nursing career. That is to provide one on one holistic care using the functional medicine approach for my patients! Brigitte is an outstanding educator and has a passion to help other nurses follow their dreams of starting their own businesses. She is leading the way to functional medicine for nurses and shifting healthcare to take the root cause approach!"
Julie Arent, RN
"Brigitte has been such an encouragement! She is extremely knowledgeable and personable. She poses questions that get me thinking then provides clarity to pull it together. With each unit I am a step closer to and more confident in opening my business!"
Stephanie Marshall, RN, BSN
"I took Brigitte's course through INCA called Functional Medicine for Nurses and thoroughly enjoyed her teaching style and support of all nurses in the functional medicine space. Brigitte has a deep knowledge and understanding of functional medicine and holistic health, but she clearly has a passion to educate and empower nurses on how they can impact their communities with this knowledge. Through her guidance, I have gained the confidence to transition into an entrepreneur role as an RN where I can combine my clinical expertise with my passion for addressing root causes of health concerns. I am incredibly grateful for her mentorship and support which have been instrumental in bringing my vision to life. I highly recommend Brigitte to any nurse seeking to grow both personally and professionally."
Evidence-Based Guidance
Built on the latest research and science, ensuring you have reliable, up-to-date knowledge. You’ll learn practical tools to apply functional medicine with confidence, rooted in proven methods.
Opportunities to Connect
Join a community of like-minded nurses who share your passion for holistic care. Through webinars, discussions, and our upcoming membership, you’ll gain support and insights from others on the same journey.
Taught in the Language
of Nursing
We translate complex functional medicine concepts into nursing practice, making it easy to apply these principles in real-world patient care.
For Nurses By Nurses
Our programs are designed and taught by graduate level train, experienced nurses who understand the challenges you face, because they've been there too! You’ll receive guidance that speaks directly to your professional needs and goals.
Have you tuned in to
Functional Nurse Podcast?!
Tune in to The Functional Nurse Podcast, where we explore cutting-edge topics in functional medicine, holistic care, and nursing entrepreneurship. Each episode features expert interviews, actionable insights, and tips for nurses looking to transform their practice.