A Conversation That Hit Deeper Than Expected Last month, during one of our Functional Nursing Membership MeetUps, I sat down with the intention of leading a discussion on how stress and trauma impact our patients. But as I mentally prepared for leading the discussion, something shifted. Instead of staying purely clinical, the topic and conversation became deeply personal. We found ourselves opening up about what it really means to practice as a nurse—the unseen burdens we car

Let’s Clear the Air If you’re a nurse who has ever asked, “Is functional medicine even evidence-based?” you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong to ask. Nurses are trained to think critically, assess data, and practice based on proven interventions. So when we hear terms like "root cause" or "functional approach," it’s completely fair to wonder: Is this grounded in real science or just another wellness trend? Here’s the short answer: Yes, functional medicine is absolutely eviden

Food dyes have been making headlines lately, and for good reason. In a move that has been long overdue, Red Dye No. 3 was recently banned from food in the U.S. —yet it had already been prohibited in cosmetics for over 30 years. Let that sink in. The same dye deemed unsafe for lipstick and skincare  was still being used in children’s snacks and drinks until now. This raises an important question: If a chemical isn’t safe for our skin, why has it been allowed in our food? As fu

Cruciferous vegetables—think broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts—are often praised as nutritional powerhouses, but they also come with a fair share of myths and misconceptions. For functional nurses, understanding the science behind these veggies is essential—not only for our own health but for educating our patients on their benefits. The Benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables Cruciferous vegetables are packed with nutrients that support whole-body health. Some key

As nurses, we dedicate much of our lives to healing others, but how often do we think about the environment we’re working and living in? Our surroundings—at home, at work, and even in the air we breathe—directly impact our health. We’re exposed to toxins daily, from the disinfectants used in healthcare settings to the air pollution in our neighborhoods. If we want to show up as the healthiest versions of ourselves for our patients and our families, environmental biohacking is

Winter in the Pacific Northwest is a time for grey cloud cover and drizzle. A fairly well-known side effect of the season is a common health challenge: vitamin D deficiency. Here in the PNW, the lack of sunlight during the colder months leaves many of us vulnerable to low levels of this essential nutrient. While a sunny winter getaway might feel like a temporary fix (and one of my favorite interventions), it’s not enough to sustain your body’s needs. And it’s not just PNW res

Why So Many Nurses Feel Stuck in Traditional Healthcare Nursing is often described as a calling—a deep-rooted desire to help, heal, and care for others. But for many nurses, the reality of working in hospitals and clinics doesn’t always align with the vision that first led us into the profession. I remember the weight of long, dizzying overnight shifts, the constant charting, and the endless patient load. Despite pouring everything I had into patient care, I would leave work

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, nurses see firsthand how diet and lifestyle impact patients’ physical health, but brain health is often overlooked. Emerging research shows that nutrition can be one of the most powerful tools for supporting brain function and preventing cognitive decline. Certain foods, nutrients, and lifestyle changes have been shown to significantly impact conditions like dementia, ADHD, migraines, and anxiety, among others. In my own practice, I have

In today’s healthcare landscape, many nurses are feeling the weight of burnout, questioning if there’s a better way to support their patients and reconnect with their purpose in care. Functional medicine, with its holistic, patient-centered approach, offers a refreshing perspective that empowers both patients and healthcare providers. For nurses, understanding the foundational concepts of functional medicine can breathe new life into their practice, providing a pathway toward

For nurses passionate about healthcare, integrating functional and holistic practices into their work can be transformative, offering an approach that not only enhances patient outcomes but revitalizes their career path. Functional medicine allows nurses to explore the root causes of health issues, which resonates with many seeking a more meaningful impact for their patients' lives. Beyond the emotional and professional rewards, this approach can also opens doors to financial

Nursing is more than a profession – it’s a deeply rooted calling to bring healing and care to others. But if you’ve been feeling like the traditional healthcare model isn’t giving you the freedom to fully embrace that calling, you’re not alone. More and more nurses are discovering the power of functional medicine and holistic nursing, and how it can reignite their passion while empowering them to offer true, lasting healing to their patients. Functional medicine is about addr

As nurses, we are on the front lines of healthcare, witnessing daily the effects of chronic diseases on our patients. With more and more patients seeking personalized care, our roles are expanding, and with this, our need for comprehensive, integrative approaches to health and healing. Functional medicine offers a promising path forward, aligning closely with the principles of holistic nursing by emphasizing personalized care and treating the individual, not just the symptoms