Heather E Lawrence, ACNPC-AGAdvanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology in Nashville, TN
Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology, Nurse PractitionerGender
Female
Languages spoken
English
About Heather E Lawrence, ACNPC-AG
Heather Lawrence, ACNPC-AG, CCRN, is a board-certified acute care nurse practitioner specializing in advanced heart failure, mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, Tennessee. Heather provides inpatient care for adults with acute and chronic heart failure, including those requiring ventricular assist devices (VADs), total artificial hearts (TAHs), and heart transplantation. She also treats patients with hypertension and other complex cardiovascular conditions.
Heather earned her nursing degree from Middle Tennessee State University and began her career in surgical critical care. She helped launch one of the first Perioperative Medicine Clinics in the United States, focused on optimizing care for high-risk surgical patients to improve survival and outcomes. She later earned her advanced practice degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she specialized in heart failure and the care of critically ill adults.
After initially practicing in general and interventional cardiology, Heather further specialized in advanced heart failure, mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation. She cares for patients throughout their journey—from new diagnoses and emergency cardiovascular support to long-term management following heart transplantation and advanced heart failure therapies.
Heather believes in partnering with her patients by listening intentionally, encouraging active participation in their care, and developing treatment plans that align with their goals and circumstances. She strives to improve health outcomes, reduce suffering, and provide economically conscious care that helps patients achieve their best possible quality of life.
Heather has more than 10 years of experience in nursing and advanced cardiovascular care.
When not caring for patients, Heather enjoys beekeeping, tackling DIY construction projects, and working as a hobbyist car mechanic.
Education
GraduateSchool
Vanderbilt School of NursingUndergraduate
Middle Tennessee State UniversityQualifications
Hospital affiliations
- Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital
Certifications
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certification Corporation - Acute/Critical Care Nursing-Adult (CCRN-Adult)
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certification Corporation - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (ACNPC-AG)
Location
Provider's primary location
Ascension Saint Thomas Heart West Comprehensive Heart Failure and Transplant Center
Professional Statement
While my passion has always been centered on the heart and its function, my own journey as a cardiology patient gave new meaning to my role as a provider. Having experienced many of the same symptoms my patients describe, I understand firsthand the challenges of living with heart failure and navigating hospitalization. That experience has deepened my compassion and allows me to connect with my patients on a more personal level.
-Heather E Lawrence, ACNPC-AG