Q&A with '24DNP Alumna Elyssa Noce Ely
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Catching up after DNP program completion
Ben Monat: Would you like to share anything about your background, where you grew up?
Elyssa Noce Ely, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-C, CDCES, CNN-NP, CGCP: I grew up in Sudbury, Mass. in a busy household with one brother and two younger sisters, which I feel has shaped a lot of who I am today. My family is 100 percent Italian, which came with a lot of traditions that I have carried into my adult life. Growing up in a big family taught me the importance of collaboration, communication, and adaptability. Having multiple siblings meant I learned early on the value of patience and respect for diverse perspectives, which has been of great benefit throughout my nursing career. Now I live in Fairfield, Conn. with my loving husband, a goofy dog, and a temperamental cat.
BM: What inspired you to become a nurse?
ENE: I think, deep down, I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. As a child, my father built me my own Barbie dreamhouse—that doll house ended up doubling as a hospital and rehab unit. Poor Skipper and Ken broke a lot of bones while surfing and shopping, but luckily, my team of Barbies ran the best ER in the state! I am not sure my five-year-old self knew I was setting myself up for a career I would be passionate about for the rest of my life, but I am certainly grateful that she knew what she was doing!

BM: What brought you to study at UMass Amherst?
ENE: When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I had already been working in healthcare for close to 15 years and as an advanced practice provider for three years. The world I practiced in had seemed equitable until that time. As a nephrology NP during the pandemic, I witnessed the significance of the health inequity in my community on a daily basis, and I saw it as a call to action. I needed to do more to help my patients, my loved ones, and the future of the health system. I had a close friend who had just finished the EMCON DNP program. Once he told me about his experience, I knew it was the program for me as well.
BM: How did UMass Amherst Nursing help you achieve your personal and professional goals?
ENE: From the moment I joined the program, I felt supported not only by the faculty but also by the diverse and dedicated community of students. The program’s focus on evidence-based practice, leadership, and innovation equipped me with the knowledge and skills I needed to excel in my career as a nurse practitioner. The faculty members are not only experts in their fields but are also deeply invested in the success of their students—they repeatedly provided mentorship, guidance, and encouragement, helping me build the confidence to take on new challenges and responsibilities in the healthcare field.
"UMass Amherst Nursing has empowered me to become a more compassionate and reflective practitioner, while giving me the confidence to recognize my value as a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner... Through this program, I have developed a strong sense of purpose in my work and have gained the tools to navigate the ever-changing landscape of healthcare with resilience and expertise."
— Elyssa Noce Ely '24DNP
UMass Amherst Nursing has empowered me to become a more compassionate and reflective practitioner, while giving me the confidence to recognize my value as a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner. The emphasis on person-centered care and the integration of quality and safety perspectives has deepened my understanding of the complexities of healthcare, inspiring me to always advocate for the best interests of my patients. Through this program, I have developed a strong sense of purpose in my work and have gained the tools to navigate the ever-changing landscape of healthcare with resilience and expertise. My DNP project received a quality improvement award from a national nephrology nursing organization, and I was named a Healthcare Hero by the Hartford Business Journal. I do not think I would have found this success had I completed my DNP education elsewhere, and am grateful for my experience in this program. My time at UMass helped me realize my potential as a nurse leader, equipping me to not only meet but exceed my professional goals while staying true to the values and passion that drew me to nursing in the first place.
BM: What is your current position and what are a few things you enjoy in your current role?
ENE: I just transitioned roles from ambulatory nephrology to inpatient endocrinology with an emphasis on diabetes management and education. My new role truly incorporates all of the skills I developed during the EMCON DNP program. It's a new position at the hospital, and I am playing a large role in designing my position and the diabetes program itself. The role involves a combination of clinical care, leadership, patient and provider education, quality improvement and patient safety—I feel it encompasses all the traits of a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner. I love this role because it incorporates all the things I love about being a provider, but the underlying goal is to make the hospital a safer place for individuals with diabetes.
BM: What do you enjoy doing for fun?
ENE: My happy place is definitely the beach. I love nothing more than a peaceful day at the beach with nothing but a good book and the sound of the waves— even better if my husband and loved ones are there with me! I like to hike, run, read, craft, and have visions of becoming an expert gardener at some point. I love to spend time with my family and pets, and flourish when I am surrounded by those I care about most.
"The EMCON DNP program is demanding and can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that every new challenge is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and refine your skills as a future clinician and nurse leader... This program is not just about achieving academic success and making it to graduation, but also about cultivating resilience, leadership, and the ability to make a profound impact on healthcare."
— Elyssa Noce Ely '24DNP
BM: What are your plans for the future?
ENE: I feel like the world is my oyster! I am lucky to be armed with the skills I need to go wherever I want, both professionally and personally, and I am looking forward to seeing where the path may lead. Anything is possible at this point, but I do know I will continue to carry on my passions for patient care, education, and high quality healthcare for the remainder of my career!
BM: What is one piece of advice you would offer to prospective and/or current UMass Amherst Nursing DNP students?
ENE: I would encourage all prospective and current students to embrace both the challenges and the growth that come with this journey. The EMCON DNP program is demanding and can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that every new challenge is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and refine your skills as a future clinician and nurse leader. Take the time to build a support network, not only with your professors but also with your peers, stay grounded in your passion for nursing and healthcare, and above all, maintain a balance between your academic and personal life. This program is not just about achieving academic success and making it to graduation, but also about cultivating resilience, leadership, and the ability to make a profound impact on healthcare. Trust the process and be patient with yourself—you are investing in an education that will lead you to a career where you can truly make a difference for individuals, healthcare systems, and the world.