Jessica Small, FNP, expands longtime Harris career into family medicine
October 12, 2026
Harris Regional Hospital is pleased to welcome primary care provider Jessica Small, FNP, to its medical staff. Small is currently seeing patients at Harris Medical Associates, a Department of Harris Regional Hospital, located at 98 Doctors Drive, Suite 200 in Sylva.
Small has lived in western North Carolina for more than 20 years and has spent approximately a decade caring for patients at Harris Regional Hospital as a registered nurse. Her experience at Harris has included emergency care, perioperative services, post-anesthesia care, and ambulatory surgical services.
Her decision to become a nurse practitioner grew from years of direct patient care and the influence of nurses and advanced practice providers she worked alongside throughout her career. Small said family medicine was a natural fit because of the opportunity to care for patients through different stages of life, build long-term relationships, and care for multiple generations of families.
“We are thrilled for Jessica to continue her career at Harris Regional Hospital in this new role,” said Ashley Hindman, chief executive officer of Harris Regional Hospital. “Her years of nursing experience have given her a strong understanding of our patients and community and she brings a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to primary care. Her clinical experience and longstanding connection to Harris will be valuable additions to our medical staff.”
Small completed graduate training in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at South College. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and an associate degree in nursing from Southwestern Community College.
Small’s approach to primary care is centered on understanding each patient’s priorities and ensuring they remain an active participant in decisions about their health. She also places a strong emphasis on clear communication and continuity, with the goal of building lasting relationships that support patients over time.
Originally from Georgia, Small has lived in western North Carolina for more than two decades, where she raised her children and built both her career and family life. She said continuing to serve the region as a nurse practitioner feels like a natural next step after her years of nursing at Harris.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring the mountains and discovering new places throughout western North Carolina.
Harris Regional Hospital emphasizes the importance of establishing an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider as a foundation for long-term health. Primary care can help patients stay current on preventive screenings, manage chronic conditions, address new health concerns and coordinate specialty care when needed.
Appointments may be made by calling 844.414.DOCS (3627) or visiting HarrisMedicalGroup.com.