Heidie Nobles’ Story: How Our Steuben Center Physician Assistant Is Transforming Care in the Community
In May 2023, Heidie, a dedicated Physician Assistant, joined our Steuben Center facility located in Bath, N.Y., becoming the first on-staff care provider beyond the nursing staff. She embraced the opportunity to deliver daily, hands-on care, becoming a vital support for both residents and nursing staff. Two years later, her presence has transformed the standard of care in many ways and the results speak for themselves: fewer hospital stays, faster responses to urgent health issues and a stronger focus on patient-centered care throughout the facility.
From the Hospital to Long-Term Care: A Different Kind of Challenge
Heidie’s day-to-day responsibilities include routine visits, managing admissions and discharges, and treating sudden changes in resident conditions. She also coordinates onsite diagnostic testing, including X-rays, blood work, ultrasounds, and EKGs. As the facility’s primary provider, she is there each day, while a supervising MD visits once a week.
Having previously worked in the hospital setting, Heidie has found that delivering care in a long-term care facility is both rewarding and challenging. “People often think of long-term care as low-acuity, but we’re seeing more and more complex cases,” she explained. With hospitals discharging patients earlier, Steuben Center and the broader Centers Health Care network is now caring for individuals who require intensive support and critical oversight. Despite these challenges, Heidie values being on-site, where she can deliver care that is more consistent, coordinated and personal.
A Lifeline for the Community
She balances the responsibilities of leading and supporting her team of nursing staff while making sure critically ill residents receive the care they deserve. With her support, the facility plays an essential role in the local community, especially for patients who might otherwise struggle to access consistent care. “Word of mouth is everything in a small town,” Heidie shared. “Families value knowing there’s a provider here every day who can answer questions and adjust care quickly.”
One of the facility’s key strengths is its focus on physical rehabilitation. Recently, a Steuben Center patient had been admitted encephalopathy and was unable to care for himself. Over six to eight months of rehabilitation, he made remarkable progress and was discharged home with only a walker. “That kind of recovery is why we do what we do,” Heidie said.
A Role and a Facility Transformed
We are incredibly grateful for the care and commitment Heidie brings to Steuben Center every day. Her constant presence and hands-on support have helped ensure every resident is treated with dignity and urgency, while also strengthening the trust that connects our staff, residents and families. As the facility continues to grow and evolve, providers like Heidie are at the heart of our mission to deliver exceptional care close to home.
