Janet Lenz, APRN, NP-BC, CCRN, RCIS

Advanced Practice Nurse & Heart Failure Care

Janet Lenz is an experienced Adult Nurse Practitioner with a distinguished career in cardiovascular medicine, advanced heart failure management, and patient education. Since beginning her nursing career in 1980, she has held clinical, educational, and leadership positions across hospitals and specialty cardiovascular programs throughout the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Janet began her career in intensive care and cardiac intensive care before transitioning into outpatient cardiovascular care, diagnostic testing, and the cardiac catheterization laboratory, where she worked alongside Dr. Raja Sharma and Dr. Douglas Tomasian.

Throughout her career, Janet has developed extensive expertise in the management of complex heart failure, including caring for patients receiving mechanical circulatory support and those undergoing evaluation for or recovery from heart transplantation.

She previously served as Clinical Director of the Heart Failure Center at St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, where she worked alongside Dr. David Bromet, who served as the program’s physician advisor. During her 12-year tenure, Janet helped develop and lead a nationally recognized heart failure program that achieved outcomes reported to rank among the top 10% in the nation. The program also established one of the Midwest’s earliest shared-care centers for patients with ventricular assist devices and those involved in heart transplantation.

Janet has been invited to speak nationally about advanced heart failure management, nurse practitioner-led clinical programs, and strategies for improving patient outcomes. She has also contributed to the education of advanced practice nursing students and cardiovascular clinical staff.

Her approach to care emphasizes patient advocacy, education, and shared decision-making. She believes that helping patients understand their conditions empowers them to make informed decisions about their health and treatment.

Outside of medicine, Janet enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, their children and grandchildren, as well as bicycling, hiking, and kayaking.

Education & Training

Janet earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lewis University, where she completed her undergraduate nursing education in 2006.

She subsequently attended Loyola University Chicago, earning her Master of Science in Nursing in 2009 with a specialization in Adult Nurse Practitioner practice and a cardiovascular subspecialty.

Her extensive clinical training and experience include critical care nursing, cardiac intensive care, cardiovascular diagnostic testing, cardiac catheterization, advanced heart failure management, and mechanical circulatory support.

Throughout her career, Janet has also served in clinical education and leadership roles, including staff education for cardiac intensive care and cardiac catheterization laboratory teams.

Board Certifications & Professional Contributions

Janet holds professional credentials as an Adult Nurse Practitioner (NP-BC), Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), and Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS). She also holds advanced practice nursing licensure in Illinois.

Throughout her career, Janet has contributed to the development and leadership of specialized cardiovascular programs, particularly in advanced heart failure management and mechanical circulatory support.

As Clinical Director of the Heart Failure Center at St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, she helped lead initiatives focused on improving patient outcomes, reducing hospital readmissions, supporting medication adherence, and coordinating care for patients with complex cardiovascular conditions.

Her professional contributions also include national speaking engagements, cardiovascular staff education, and presentations on nurse practitioner-led, physician-supported heart failure programs.

Janet’s clinical philosophy centers on patient advocacy, education, and shared decision-making, with an emphasis on empowering patients to take an active role in their cardiovascular health.

Practice Location

Crystal Lake Office
284 Memorial Ct, Suite B
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Janet sees patients exclusively at our Crystal Lake location.

Languages

English