Lesley Smith, ACNP, ANP, specializes in nephrology at Ochsner Health. She has worked in various inpatient healthcare settings since 2001. Her patient care journey began in the emergency medicine in 1998. Her nursing career encompassed caring for patients in the intensive care unit, same day surgery and cath lab departments.

Having grown up with a sibling that was a double heart transplant recipient, she is able to identify closely with patients and their families. She understands that the impact of an ill loved one affects the family as a whole, and is understanding of the burden patients carry with complex chronic illnesses.

Her experience and expertise facilitate the development of a patient-centered relationship. She enjoys helping patients learn about the natural aging process as related to their kidney function, blood pressure and overall health. Her advanced training allows her confidence in caring for patients with chronic kidney disease, HTN, renal transplant, chronic hyponatremia and renal stones.

After graduate school training, she was able to spend more time advancing her experience in the field of nephrology. She spent several months during orientation at the Ochsner Main Campus in New Orleans, Louisiana before starting on the Northshore. She is interested in protecting the wellness and quality of life for end and early stage renal disease patients.

She has two children who are aged nine and twenty-two who I enjoy spending time with. My hobbies include walking my golden retriever, Tuck, and gardening. She is learning more and more about cooking.