Lida Ward, NP

Professional Profile

For more than 23 years I've served as a nurse practitioner, the past nine of which in Dr. Craig Gillespie's practice before joining Northbay Health in 2023. In this advanced practice role, I am able to offer my patients preventive services, such as well-child, adult and gynecologic care, and can diagnose and treat patients with chronic and acute health problems, such as asthma, COPD and pneumonia.

Always fascinated by the sciences and passionate about helping vulnerable populations, a career in nursing for me was a natural choice. After working as an Intensive Care Nurse at teaching hospitals in Kentucky and California, I decided to pursue higher education. I was introduced to the focus of family practice practitioner, and fell in love with the role of providing care for patients in the primary care setting. Here, we are at the front line of health care, helping our patients to stay healthy and to manage chronic conditions before complications arise.

The most important part of my job is to truly listen to my patients first, so I can help them manage their health care concerns and to provide them with the best medical care.

The favorite part of my job is the time I get to spend with my patients. I truly enjoy direct patient care and seeing my patients thrive. It's an honor to care for my patient's health care needs and I don't take that responsibility lightly.

When not at work, I enjoy gardening, reading, spending time with my family and two labradoodles, Kona and Toby.

Education

• Master of Science – Family Nurse Practitioner, Spalding University, Louisville, KY
• Bachelor of Science, California State University, Sacramento

Certifications

• American Academy of Nurse Practitioner
• California Academy of Nurse Practitioner
• CA RN License
• CA Public Health Nurse License
• DEA Certification
• Code Blue Management Course
• Critical Care Course

Special Interests

This list is intended to highlight special areas of interest or experience. These are not the only conditions seen, or treatments offered, by this provider.

• Preventive care
• Physical assessments
• Treatment planning
• Disease management