Care like family: Making a connection
When Nurse Manager Alicia’s stepmother, Rebecca, began experiencing severe abdominal pain, she and her husband, Darrin, initially assumed it was a stomach bug. Their local physician quickly urged them to seek care at an emergency department. They planned to drive to Nashville — but along the way, Darrin made a pivotal decision.
They would have to pass TriStar Horizon Medical Center to get there. Time was critical — why go any farther?
From the moment they walked through the doors of Horizon’s emergency department and were warmly greeted, they knew they had made the right choice.
Rebecca was treated with both compassion and clinical excellence throughout her journey — and so was Darrin. At the time, no one knew this was Alicia’s family. The care they received wasn’t because of a connection; it was simply who the team is.
After evaluation, Dr. Patel requested a surgical consult. Dr. Jones reviewed the diagnostic results and strongly recommended immediate surgery — a decision that ultimately saved Rebecca’s life.
In surgery, the team reassured Rebecca at every step, calming her fears and instilling confidence that she would be okay. Her recovery was equally remarkable. The staff not only cared for Rebecca’s physical needs but also cared for Darrin — offering comfort and reassurance when he needed it most, treating him like family as well.
Rebecca spent four nights in the hospital. Today, she says she “will never go elsewhere for care.” During a post-operative visit, we were able to capture a photo of Alicia, her dad, Rebecca, and the physicians and PCT who cared for her along the way — a full-circle moment for a family deeply grateful for the care they received.
Every person involved in her healing journey — from admission to EVS, from nursing staff to physicians — made a lasting impact. Rebecca describes them as people who are “exactly where they are meant to be.” It’s clear this work is more than a job; it’s a calling.
Care Like Family connects us — across roles, departments, and communities. Colleagues at TriStar Horizon work together to create a culture of trust and belonging. That culture is a difference-maker for our patients. It ensures that care is coordinated, compassionate, and personal — whether the patient is a community member walking through our doors for the first time or one of our own.
Rebecca didn’t just receive expert medical care. Her fear was acknowledged. Her anxiety was eased. And that, too, was a critical part of her healing. At TriStar Horizon, Care Like Family isn’t just a phrase. It’s who we are.