Encouragement Along the Way – Summit Medical Center

by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

Summit Medical Center is located in Edmond, OK. Here, you will receive quality care for inpatient and for patients undergoing surgical procedures. One of the exceptional nurses that you will find here is Kenny Wythe, RN, BSN.
Growing up in OKC, graduating high school in Yukon, OK, Kenny’s path in the medical field began when he attended Canadian Valley Vo-tech where he earned his LPN. He continued his education at OSU-OKC to obtain his RN Associates degree and then attended SWOSU where he received his BSN. (story continues below)

Kenny was influenced to be a nurse by his family. He grew up in the Y2K age, also known as the end of the world. At the time, he was working on diesel trucks and going to EMT school. His great grandmother had crippling Rheumatoid Arthritis and needed help at home. “I would go to her house everyday after school and help with her daily activities until my grandmother got home,” Kenny explained.
Kenny decided to be a nurse twenty years ago when he finished his EMT. “I enjoyed being an EMT but I wanted to do more to help patients,” he said. Kenny has worked in many areas of nursing from Geriatrics, Med-Surg, ER, ICU, PACU and Hospice. “I have enjoyed traveling around Oklahoma as an agency nurse working in rural medicine. I chose to work at SMC not only is it close to home, allowing for more time with my wife and kids, but also allows me to use my skills that I’ve learned in smaller rural areas hospital settings and able to lend my ICU, MED-Surg and ER skills.” Kenny feels like the setting of SMC is that of a close family and all disciplines of healthcare work closely together. This allows for a more direct and expedient care given to patients from the time they are referred to the facility to the time they are discharged and followed upon.
Sometimes, going through nursing school can be tough and one feels like they are all alone and not sure where to turn. That is when encouraging words are needed. Perhaps, from a professor or a co-worker and that person soon becomes your mentor; someone that believes in you. While Kenny was attending school in the evenings and working night shift at Kingfisher Hospital, he met his mentor; Becky Pratt, RN. “Since I had just received my nurse license, the management didn’t really want a new nurse working for them. Becky knew my work ethic as a CNA and my passion for healthcare. She took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. I was able to continue my education to become an RN,” Kenny commented.
Kenny has been with SMC for two and half years. He possesses the qualities of a good nurse; caring, compassion, empathy, effective communication, problem solving skills and a willingness to continue education to meet patients needs. He usually sees about sixty patients a month, using all of these qualities.
The Coronavirus has taken quite a toll on all of us. To a frontline worker, it has changed their lives in many ways. “As a nurse, many are social isolated, killing the soul, mind and spirit. We all fear that our family or friends will become a victim of this nasty virus. Another concern is whether we will stay employed or be able to care for our families. I am thankful that Summit Medical Center took care of every employee, making sure our personal needs were met so we could continue providing quality care to our patients,” Kenny said. “This virus has changed daily lives; missing out on traveling, family gatherings and visiting friends. All of this can be very challenging. Personally, this virus has also changed me in a positive way too; by bringing me closer to my faith and family. It truly makes me grateful for each day the Lord has given me,” Kenny added.
“As a nurse, we need to take a few extra precautions as far as our home life goes. My wife is an early childhood development teacher and teaches from our home. I face an even greater challenge now ensuring the safety of not only my family but now her students and their families as well. Increased precautions include a decontamination area in my garage from when I get home from work and we continually monitor the children’s temperature and health of the family as well.
Summing up Kenny’s life in three words, he replied, “Awaken, enjoy, repeat.”