Michelle Ollivierre-Lawrence
Michelle Ollivierre-Lawrence is a dedicated nursing professional with 25 years of experience in clinical practice, healthcare education, and program accreditation. She began her nursing career as a high-school LPN program graduate and advanced from CNA to LPN to RN, gaining hands-on experience across the lifespan, from neonates to hospice care. Michelle has held leadership roles, including director of an infusion company, and practiced as a wound care nurse for over two years. She is certified as a BLS and ACLS instructor and a wound care specialist, and she continues to maintain occasional clinical practice while leading educational initiatives.
Michelle currently serves as Associate Professor-Evaluator at Nightingale College and Adjunct Professor at the Chancellor Institute, where she focuses on pre-licensure nursing education. She prepares students not only to pass licensure exams but to master the underlying content, emphasizing lifelong learning and hands-on clinical instruction through lectures, skills labs, and simulations. Her academic leadership includes curriculum development, NGN course design, faculty mentorship, and program evaluation, as well as involvement in accreditation for healthcare organizations and higher education institutions.
In addition to her academic roles, Michelle is self-employed as an AHA BLS and ACLS Faculty instructor, conducting on-site CPR and ACLS training and full instructor courses. She established a personal training site last year and participates in an AI project designed to support new nursing students. Committed to advancing the nursing profession, Michelle combines her clinical expertise, educational leadership, and innovative initiatives to mentor the next generation of nurses and foster excellence in healthcare.
• University of Miami - BSN
• University of Phoenix - MSN
• Florida PTA
What do you attribute your success to?
Family influence (mother in Health and Human Services; many aunts who were nurses), early exposure to caring roles as the eldest sibling, a strong work ethic (working through scholarships and student loans), and a persistent commitment to lifelong learning and taking on challenging work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always strive for excellence and to voice my opinion, because it truly matters. I carry this guidance into every aspect of my professional life, committing to high standards in my work while contributing thoughtfully and confidently to discussions and decision-making processes. It reminds me that both quality and engagement are essential to personal growth, effective leadership, and meaningful impact in any role.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Challenge yourself, pursue continual learning, accept complex assignments that stretch your skills, and build practical experience early (clinical work and volunteer opportunities).
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenge: many nursing graduates lack the foundational content behind testing and clinical work. Opportunity: strengthen pre-licensure education and adopt modern tools (including AI) to better prepare students for clinical practice and licensure.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Service to others, caring for people, perseverance, and a dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.
Locations
Private Company
Apopka, FL 32703