Jacksonville, Texas (April 15, 2024) — After 50 years working as a nurse and other positions at the hospital, UT Health Jacksonville’s Quality and Patient Safety Director Debbie McCaslin said it’s easy to think she has seen it all, but she is proved wrong every time.
“You never see it all in a job like this,” she said recalling her storied nursing career, which started when the hospital was named Nan Travis Memorial Hospital. “That’s what’s good about this job — every day is different, so whatever problem presents itself is what you work on that day.”
UT Health Jacksonville CEO DeLeigh Haley said McCaslin has been a guiding force and steady presence for staff and patients during her tenure.
“There are so many things about Debbie that make her an amazing person, an amazing coworker, an amazing friend and truly an amazing mentor,” Haley said. “Not only is nursing her profession, it’s her passion, and Debbie has lived that for the past 50 years in this facility.”
McCaslin said her love of learning and her love for the people she works with has been her motivation.
“Looking back, it’s the people you work with that is your favorite thing because that’s why we come to work every day,” she said. “The motivation, my why, is the people you work with throughout the years. They become your work family and you care about them and you want to do your best for them and for your patients.”
McCaslin said hospitals are unique places, simultaneously filled with happiness and tragedy, which is why the advice she would give any new nurse is to truly listen to patients.
“There’s a difference between hearing what someone says and listening to what they say,” she said. “It’s just another gall bladder to you, but to them it’s their only gallbladder and it’s a big deal.
“Slow down and listen. You might be surprised what you learn,” she added. “Everybody has a story.”
McCaslin’s story will be celebrated during a retirement reception from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, in main lobby of the hospital, 501 S. Ragsdale St.
Watch an interview with Debbie McCaslin here.