Community Spotlight: Advocating for What Matters Most
Living Our Mission
As we celebrate National Nurses Week and National Skilled Nursing Care Week this May, we’re reminded that the most meaningful care often comes down to one simple thing: really listening to what a resident and their family want, then doing whatever it takes to make it happen.
Jessica Notte, a MedElite Nurse Practitioner in Vermont, has always worked that way. She started her career as an inpatient Palliative Care and Oncology nurse and quickly discovered where her heart was.
“I have always enjoyed working with the chronically ill geriatric population,” she explains, “and helping them understand their disease process and advocate for their healthcare goals.”
A physician she worked with encouraged her to go back to school and become a Nurse Practitioner. When she discovered MedElite, it felt like the right fit. “I felt our goals for caring for the geriatric population aligned; quality care and doing what is best for our residents.”
Making Time for Real Connections
At MedElite, Jessica finally has the space to do the work that feels most meaningful to her.
“I feel that I have been allowed to spend more time my residents each day, which has been very rewarding both personally and professionally,” she says. That time lets her hold thoughtful quarterly Advance Care Planning conversations so every decision honors exactly what the resident wants.
The relationships that grow from those moments are what she looks forward to most. “I love walking into the facilities each day and seeing the residents,” Jessica notes. “I have developed great relationships with them, and they are comfortable coming up to me with their ailments and know that they are being heard. I enjoy following up on not only their medical concerns but also their achievements.”
She also finds real joy in the teamwork. “I enjoy the teamwork and collaborations at the facilities and the residents I have the privilege in treating. I feel heard at MedElite and when I have a concern, it is addressed immediately.”
Standing Up for a Family’s Wish
That same dedication showed up in a powerful way. A patient in the ICU was nearing the end of his life despite maximum medical treatment. “The family wanted him to pass at home rather than in the hospital,” Jessica shares. “None of the physicians wanted this to happen because organizing it last minute was too much work on a holiday.”
Jessica stepped in. She arranged hospice support to meet the family at the house, secured the ambulance so his loved ones could ride alongside him, and once he was safely in his own bed, she removed the medical treatments.
“He passed with his wife next to him, just as they wanted,” she says.
The family nominated her for a Daisy Award. “They later told me how much it meant to them that I prioritized their wishes in the end and advocated as strongly as I did for them.”
Supported in a State that Needs Her
In Vermont, where the demand for providers in skilled nursing facilities is especially high, Jessica’s steady presence makes a real difference. Some days are tougher—especially when “a resident’s disease prevents them from telling us how they are feeling.” But she never faces those days alone.
Her medical assistant, Will, has been with her since the beginning. “Will… has been a massive help and support.” She also leans on strong clinical leadership. “I feel that I have a solid support from the Medical Director. He is very involved and wants to be a resource and our advocate,” she says. “It is reassuring to know that I can call him and walk away from the conversation having helped our resident and learning something in a very nonjudgmental environment.”
That support is exactly why she recommends MedElite to others. “MedElite sets their providers up for success. They take pride in the education they provide before we even start at the facility, and they are always available. This position is great for both new graduates and seasoned providers.”
Freedom on the Open Road
The same independent spirit Jessica brings to her work follows her when she leaves the facilities. “I love to ride my Harley on back country roads and travel all over the world!”
We’re truly glad Jessica shared her story. Her thoughtful, steady approach is exactly what our mission looks like every single day—and we’re proud to support providers like her who bring that heart to our residents, especially in places like Vermont.









