Longtime Kentucky Nurse Practitioner Joins CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group

BEREA, Ky. (March 29, 2023) – CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Primary Care welcomes Robin Smith, DNP, to its Richmond and Berea locations. Smith has devoted her nearly 40-year-long nursing career to serving Kentuckians as an emergency room nurse in Hyden, Hazard, Georgetown and Lexington, including at Saint Joseph Hospital. She said she is thrilled to join the health care group again and continue serving local communities.

Smith lives in the Berea area but was born and raised in eastern Kentucky, where she said she witnessed a lot of poverty, and her passion for health care and bettering the lives of people blossomed.

“I can remember when I was younger, always wanting to be a nurse,” said Smith. “I loved helping and caring for people and went into nursing right out of high school. I enjoy being able to pursue my passion for helping people.”

Smith said she struggled at times growing up watching some of the community members in her hometown not having access to the care and resources they needed. She said that pushed her to pursue the health care field.

“I’ve seen a lot of poverty and a lot of people who need direction about their health,” said Smith. “I’m happy to be able to provide that to them and ensure everyone has access to the medical care they need to be the healthiest they can be.”

Smith obtained a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in nursing from the University of Kentucky before furthering her education to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Eastern Kentucky University, where she graduated with distinction.

Smith spent the first 10 years of her career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), eight years as a registered nurse, 11 years as a nurse practitioner (NP), and the last 10 years as a nurse practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

When Smith is treating patients, she said she likes to make sure they, and their families, have all the information and resources they need to better improve their outcomes for issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.

“My main goal with patients is to give them the tools they need to make the right decision for their health,” said Smith. “I prefer to work as a guide and be there for any questions they might have during their journey to better health.”

Smith enjoys boating, fishing, and camping with her husband in her spare time. She also enjoys raising chickens, cats, dogs and parakeets and keeping up with her growing family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Smith is practicing at CHI Saint Joseph Health – Primary Care in Richmond, located at 1054 Center Drive, Suite 2, and in Berea at 2750 Battlefield Memorial Highway. To make an appointment, call 859.625.5242.

About CHI Saint Joseph Health

CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in CHI Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About the CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group

CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group is the employed provider network of CHI Saint Joseph Health with 88 locations in 17 communities throughout central and eastern Kentucky.

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