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For Jessica Abitz, nursing has always been about connection—both with her patients and her team. Before joining Midland Care, she built her career in hospital-based nursing, working in Medical-Surgical and Labor & Delivery units. “That’s the great thing about nursing,” she says. “You can explore so many specialty areas within our field. Home health brings together a great mix of many previous nursing experiences.”

Jessica graduated from Washburn University’s School of Nursing in 2005 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. “Twenty years in the blink of an eye!” she laughs. Today, she serves as the Midland Care Home Health Director, overseeing day-to-day operations, supporting and supervising home health clinicians, and ensuring patients and families receive the highest quality of care.

Jenny Beaver, Vice President of Clinical Services, says Jessica’s leadership has been instrumental to the program’s success. “Jessica is an asset to the Midland team. She leads by example and drives a positive culture. She is welcoming, approachable, and responsive, while also ensuring accountability for her staff. She has done a tremendous job building the home health team and ensuring patient-centered care remains at the forefront of everyone’s day.”

“I have always been inspired by the ‘helpers’ in life.”

jessica abitz

When asked what she enjoys most about her role, Jessica doesn’t hesitate. “We have the best team! Everyone is focused on the same goal—to take the best care of the patients we serve—and that makes this job so rewarding.” She also praises Midland’s culture, describing it as “top-notch.” “Everyone is positive and truly focused on our mission and values. I’ve always felt supported and encouraged to challenge myself professionally to be the best clinician I can be here at Midland.”

Jessica grew up in St. Marys, Kansas, about 30 minutes west of Topeka, and still calls it home. She lives there with her husband and their three boys, along with their sweet goldendoodle. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family. “We’re lucky to have most of our extended family nearby. Our boys keep us busy and entertained,” she shares. She also loves traveling and going to concerts to hear live music.

When reflecting on what inspires her, Jessica points to a quote from Fred Rogers that has stayed with her:

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”

“I try to remember this any time things are hard or scary in life, both professionally and personally,” she says. “I have always been inspired by the ‘helpers’ in life. I’m blessed to hopefully be one for others as well.”

Those who know Jessica describe her as compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated, with a touch of humor and sarcasm. A proud sports fan, she cheers for the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas State University—especially now that her oldest son is a Wildcat.

Above all, Jessica says she’s grateful to her team, her patients, and to Midland Care. “I look forward to many more years and lives impacted by the care and services we provide.”