TriStar Northcrest's newest Radiology Technologist, Dakota Jones, began his first day of work on May 20, but he didn’t need any introductions.

Dakota, the son of Carmen Jones, TriStar’s Director of Medical Staff Services, has been a familiar face at the hospital since before he could walk.

“Some of the staff have watched Dakota grow from a baby, to a toddler, to now an adult working his life career here at TriStar Northcrest,” says Carmen.

Earlier this month, Dakota graduated from Austin Peay State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Science. However, his journey at TriStar Northcrest began much earlier. Since June 2023, he had been working as an Imaging Tech Student, assisting at the front desk, transporting patients, and supporting the department during weekends and school breaks.

When it was time for Dakota to start his career as a Radiology Technologist, TriStar Northcrest was the natural choice. “I didn’t have to re-interview,” says Dakota. “I was transferred into the full time position.”

Carmen fully supported Dakota’s decision to join TriStar Northcrest. “I feel like all of my co-workers—nurses, doctors, support staff, EDS staff—we are a team, and it takes all of us to get the job done,” says Carmen. “We may be a small community hospital, but we have top notch medical care right at our back door. Family treating family.” 

Despite having opportunities elsewhere, Dakota values the culture at TriStar Northcrest. “It feels like a family, and I really connected with them in the imaging department,” he shares.

The familial atmosphere is another reason Dakota looks forward to working alongside his mother from Monday to Friday. “I was really excited because I was like, ‘Oh, she can drive me to work or we could have lunch together.’ We literally had lunch together today, so it’s really nice,” Dakota shares.

Dakota credits his mother for guiding him toward his career path. In high school, he aspired to be a photographer. “Mom being mom said, ‘Let’s look at something similar with maybe a medical background and a more stable income.’ She introduced me to x-ray and how it related to photography. I began to research all the different modalities.”

Although their professional paths won’t intertwine much during the workday, Carmen is content with that arrangement. “While at work, we are co-workers. I want him to grow in his career path on his own merit,” Carmen says.

Dakota has a bright future ahead of him, both career-wise and personally. He recently got engaged to his fiancée, Morisa Smith, and they are looking at a 2025 wedding date. 

Dakota's journey at TriStar Northcrest is a testament to the supportive and nurturing environment the hospital provides to its staff. His seamless transition from a student to a full-time Radiology Technologist reflects not only his dedication and hard work but also the strong community ties within the hospital. 

As Dakota continues to build his career and looks forward to his future, his story serves as an inspiring example of how professional aspirations and personal connections can flourish together. Additionally, Dakota and Carmen are just one of the many family connections thriving at the facility, embodying HCA’s tagline: ‘We care like family.’

For those interested in learning more about TriStar Health and their open positions, please visit their website: TriStarHealth.com.