my journey from nursing to starting my own wellness business

Why I Left bedside nursing to Become an FDN: My Journey from Conventional to Functional Medicine

October 06, 20243 min read

The body has an incredible ability to heal itself when provided with the right nutrients and environment - Reed Davis

Functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner

Why I Left Nursing to Become an FDN: My Journey from Conventional to Functional Medicine

How FDN Changed My Health 

When I first found FDN, I was struggling with so many gut issues, bloating, fatigue, acid reflux, indigestion, and constipation. I had been told by multiple doctors that everything looked fine including lab work and an endoscopy that I was sure would give me answers. Unfortunately, I never got the answers that I desired. That’s when I found the Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) certification program. The funny thing was, I really just wanted answers for my own health. Little did I know, this would be the beginning of an amazing journey of helping other people just like me, get answers to their health mysteries as well. 

What Makes FDN Unique

I chose FDN because it goes beyond the surface and dives deep into what's really going on in your body. Unlike other programs, FDN equips you with the power to uncover hidden stressors using functional lab testing, giving you the tools to create personalized, root-cause-focused protocols. It's this level of clinical insight—something no other health coaching program offers—that truly sets FDN apart. With this approach, you're not just guessing, you're solving real health challenges and transforming lives.

My Experience in the FDN Program

The five foundational labs you’ll learn are truly life changing. During the course, the labs that we were able to run on ourselves allowed me to really see and understand where my symptoms were coming from. I got to be my own first client by receiving a custom protocol from a clinical advisor. This allows you to see for yourselves how well FDN works, not only for you, but for your future clients! What I loved most was the flexibility to go at my own pace, combined with the mentorship from experienced practitioners, which gave me the confidence to really thrive. It’s hands down the best investment I made in my career!

Transitioning to Practice

Since becoming an FDN Practitioner, I started my own business, and have helped my clients overcome chronic fatigue, hormone imbalances, and gut issues by using their methodologies. I was trained as an RN and worked at the bedside for many years. The transition to becoming an FDN and running my own business has been challenging, but I feel so fulfilled and in alignment with this work. The FDN approach has allowed me to build trust with my clients and achieve lasting health improvements, which has led to a steady stream of referrals.

The D.R.E.S.S. for Health Success® Protocol

One of the things I love most about FDN is the D.R.E.S.S. for Health Success® Protocol. This step-by-step framework—covering diet, rest, exercise, stress reduction, and supplementation—has been a game-changer for my clients. It’s not just about running labs; it’s about guiding people through a total lifestyle transformation, giving them the power to truly take control of their health and see real, lasting results.

Why I Recommend FDN

If you’re ready for a certification program that goes beyond basic coaching and teaches you how to use functional labs to truly heal clients, FDN is the perfect fit. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for years, this program gives you the tools to create real, lasting impact and make a true difference in people’s lives.

Feel free to reach out with questions and make sure to download my free guide to see the labs I run on all of my clients dealing with gut, hormone, and metabolic issues.

P.S. if you download my guide you will get $650 off the FDN certification course!

Sara Moreira


Sara Moreira is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner dedicated to empowering moms on their health journeys. With a background as a registered nurse and over eight years of experience in bedside care, Sara specializes in helping postpartum women overcome fatigue, gut issues, and weight loss resistance.

Having navigated her own struggles with postnatal depletion, Sara understands the unique challenges mothers face. She uses a holistic approach that includes functional lab testing, nutrition, mineral balancing, and lifestyle modifications to support her clients in regaining their energy and vitality.

Through her work, Sara emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues and believes in the body’s innate ability to heal when provided with the right tools and knowledge. In her blog, she shares valuable insights, practical tips, and actionable strategies to help moms nourish their bodies, restore balance, and thrive in their motherhood journey.

When she’s not working with clients, Sara enjoys spending time with her four children and exploring new places

Sara Moreira

Sara Moreira is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner dedicated to empowering moms on their health journeys. With a background as a registered nurse and over eight years of experience in bedside care, Sara specializes in helping postpartum women overcome fatigue, gut issues, and weight loss resistance. Having navigated her own struggles with postnatal depletion, Sara understands the unique challenges mothers face. She uses a holistic approach that includes functional lab testing, nutrition, mineral balancing, and lifestyle modifications to support her clients in regaining their energy and vitality. Through her work, Sara emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues and believes in the body’s innate ability to heal when provided with the right tools and knowledge. In her blog, she shares valuable insights, practical tips, and actionable strategies to help moms nourish their bodies, restore balance, and thrive in their motherhood journey. When she’s not working with clients, Sara enjoys spending time with her four children and exploring new places

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