Dedicated To Giving Back
To Front-Line Workers!
Utilizing incentive programs designed to enrich a nurse’s lifestyle and overall well-being!
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Brian Paonessa
Brian Paonessa has over a decade’s experience in the fitness world. With a bachelor’s degree in health and wellness, Paonessa worked in gyms and wellness centers in some of New York’s most notable neighborhoods and had clientele throughout the city but felt like he was destined for something greater:
What Is FFN
Fit Functional Nurses
At its core, Fit Functional Nurses (FFN) is dedicated to giving back to front-line workers; those who dedicate their lives to others before themselves.
Utilizing incentive programs designed to enrich a nurse’s lifestyle and overall well-being for the care, dedication, and compassion they provide to others.
FFN hopes a little recognition, appreciation, and experiences outside the
workplace will help balance the ever-growing number of burnt-out nurses physically, spiritually, and mentally.

One of the many goals of FFN is to help other nurses realize the need to create a solid work-life balance so they don’t end up making the same mistakes I have. I wouldn’t want any of my fellow nurses to go through what I went through.
It has taken me down paths that, quite frankly, I’m not proud of. I’m very grateful to have recognized after 6 years the negative outcomes of giving so much into my career.

Brian Paonessa
Brian’s Bio
Fit Functional Nurses
After registering for classes at Trocaire College in Buffalo, Paonessa returned to his hometown of Niagara, NY, to take the first step in what would be the most important journey of his career: finding Fit Functional Nurses (FFN). “I made the switch, took that leap of faith, and went with it,” says Paonessa.
The Many Challenges of Nursing School
Fit Functional Nurses
When speaking on his time in nursing school, Paonessa notes that he hit a lot of roadblocks and that it was probably one of the hardest things he’s ever done. Sports and athletics were his life and he was, by definition, a jock—and that is what many people saw when they looked at him. While his looks and background made it seem strange for Paonessa to go into nursing, it’s also what gave him an edge. “When you compete in sports at a young age, coaches and mentors shape your life. They teach you skills like discipline and the dedication that you have to put forward with anything in life if you want to be successful,” he explains.
Paonessa worked three jobs on top of his educational obligations; including but not limited to teaching a fitness/spinning class at 5 am before classes. “I was in school almost all day, then I’d do some more personal training sessions afterward at the gym and I worked for a good friend of mine’s snow plowing business.” He states that these jobs got him through three semesters before he ended up failing an academic term of nursing school. “This definitely made me rethink my whole situation. I had to stop working so much and really just concentrate on school. Looking back on it I don’t know how I did it, but again being an athlete, hard work is not something that I’m afraid of.” He continues by stating, “I learned to become comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. I had to reapply into nursing school again and fight for my career as a nurse because honestly if I didn’t we might not be having this conversation right now.”
Despite all the trials and tribulations that came with his nursing studies, the New York native got a job out west in just two weeks. “I applied out in Vegas and they hired me over the phone,” he said. In October 2015, Paonessa flew out to Las Vegas to become a registered nurse and start his career at Mountain View Hospital.
Burnt-Out Nurses
Fit Functional Nurses
He goes on to say, “By the time you leave—or do six or seven days in a row—you’re done. You’re done mentally, physically, you have nothing left and you basically take it out on the people who really care for you and love you.” Nurses, especially during this time of COVID, were working double (and sometimes triple) shifts. They’re extremely burnt out and this, along with the lack of acknowledgment these front-line workers receive for their dedication and sacrifice, is some of the things that motivate not only Brian but the direction of Fit Functional Nurses (FFN), Paonessa’s business, and dream.
Events
UFC FIT
You're invited to experience UFC FIT Centennial all weekend For Free! OCT 1ST and OCT 2ND(Saturday & Sunday)9am-5pm Enjoy everything UFC FIT Centennial has to offer! Stop down with your co-workers, friends, and family! With so many options to choose from....
(COMING SOON) NVCCF / FFN GALA LOGO AND STATE
Rock and Roll Marathon
Passport For Heroes!
Press
Meet BRIAN PAONESSA | CEO / FOUNDER / Registered Nurse
We had the good fortune of connecting with BRIAN PAONESSA and we’ve shared our conversation below. Hi BRIAN, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably...
Why Is Physical Activity So Important In Preventing Heart Disease
Being active is key to warding off many deteriorating diseases such as heart disease. In our daily routine, we may forget to take the necessary steps to keep ourselves fit and...
Exercising Is Good, But Avoid These Workouts During Pregnancy
Exercising during pregnancy keeps the mother and baby healthy. Board-certified women’s health physical therapist Sara Reardon PT, DPT, WCS says, “Women who are more active and...
Styles on The Pulse: Nurse Brian of FFN World Shows Us the 6 Trends To Watch Out For This Fall
We are in the thick of fall and everyone knows that guys are leading the way with what’s hot on and off the runway! From puffy sweaters, moody reds, and sustainable leather....