Lauren Lucas, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor
College of Central Florida
Ocala, Florida

Lauren is a dedicated nursing professional and educator with a deep passion for healthcare, inspired by early exposure to the Discovery Health Channel's "Birth Day." Initially envisioning a career as a Nurse Midwife, Lauren began her nursing education at South Florida Community College, where she realized the vast possibilities within the field of nursing. Following the advice of their instructors, she gained valuable hands-on experience in adult medical-surgical telemetry at UF Health Shands at the University of Florida (UF) while pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Driven by a persistent calling to work in women’s health and pediatrics, Lauren transitioned to General Pediatrics at Shands at Alachua General Hospital. Here, she specialized in Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, expanding her expertise and commitment to patient care. Her career also took her across the country as a travel nurse, gaining diverse experiences in various healthcare settings, from Duke University Hospital to facilities in California and Texas.

After returning to Florida, Lauren completed a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Cincinnati. As an FNP, she provided essential care at Birth and Beyond in Grandin, FL, and at Florida Cancer Specialists, serving underserved communities and adult populations.

Currently, Lauren is an Associate Professor in an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, a role she has held since August 2019, following an initial experience as an Adjunct Faculty member in 2014. Her journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, diverse healthcare experiences, and a dedication to educating the next generation of nurses.

Presentation(s):

• 1009 - Forging Tomorrow's Leaders: Implementing a Leadership Development Fellowship for Nursing Students

  Saturday, November 2, 2024
  9:15 AM - 10:05 AM EDT