Laura Marie Fessler, NP

About Laura Fessler

Growing up with a neurosurgeon as a dad, descriptions of surgeries and hearing how little fixes could make a huge difference in how a person felt was always something that resonated with Laura Fessler, AGACNP-BC, APRN. “I’ve always had an interest in medicine. I loved understanding how things worked and had plenty of sprained ankles, blisters and joint injuries from gymnastics, dance, tennis and volleyball as a kid,” she says.

Laura earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at IUPUI – Indiana University School of Nursing (Indianapolis, IN). She then returned to school after gaining real-life experience in cardiac care units and earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Practitioner Adult Gerontology Acute Care at University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, Texas).

In working with cardiac patients, Laura assists physicians in coordinating patient care, procedures, and also supports with meeting patients’ needs.

“I have always enjoyed educating patients on how …they can manage their cardiac conditions, and in many cases prevent or at least slow the progression of their disease,” Laura says. “Everyone has a choice in what they want to do, or how they want to manage their health and health issues can be scary at times. I’m here to help facilitate making that choice.”

In her own words…

Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My dad was the first in his family to attend college. He taught me to work hard to keep a positive outlook, and to appreciate the moments that you have with the people you love. My mom taught me to “grow where you’re planted” and how to think in an organized, mathematical way.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I sold women’s clothing at a retail store in the mall. I enjoyed helping people find what they were looking for.

What is your favorite food? Movie? My grandma’s pot roast; Top choice: The Lord of the Rings

What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Best: math and chemistry; Worst: physics

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Army Col. Ruby Bradley, who was a surgical nurse in WWII and continued to provide medical care during the three years she was a prisoner of war.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? My daughter, animal rescue, staying connected with my family, music

What are your hobbies, interests? Tennis, volleyball, dance/ballroom dancing, singing, country music, reading via audiobooks while multitasking

Do you have pets? Yes – I only have 2 dogs at present.

What is something most people don’t know about you? I have a degree in vocal performance.