The Complete Life

by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

Purcell Municipal Hospital has been serving Purcell and surrounding communities since opening in October, 1970. They are a Medicare certified facility licensed for by the Oklahoma State Department of Health for 39 in-patient beds.
The advances in medicine and strides in technology provide the local communities access to better healthcare every day. Purcell Municipal Hospital offers an Emergency Department staffed with physicians 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Here, you will find excellent doctors and nurses with high standards, giving patients the utmost importance of patient care.
Meet Kem Scully, RN, BSN, MHA and CEO/CNO at Purcell Municipal Hospital in Purcell, OK. Kem’s life has been busy ever since she can remember. “Nursing is actually a second career for me. I worked in the oilfield and hazardous waste Industries for 15 years, then went back to school and graduated with my BSN in 2006,” Kem said.
Growing up in South Louisiana, Kem went to nursing school at Nichols State University in Thibodaux, LA. “I knew that I wanted to take care of others and my first job as a nurse was in the ER. I knew that this was the place for me,” she said.
Asking Kem what she wanted to be when she was a little girl, she replied, “I wanted to take care of animals. Not necessarily a veterinarian but more of the veterinarian tech. I wanted to actually provide the care and give the love. I guess I didn’t get far from that,” she added.
Kem wears a lot of hats when it comes to Purcell Municipal Hospital where she goes by the title of CEO/CNO. Kem’s favorite part of working at the hospital is the diversity that comes with it. “I like the many different opportunities that arrive every day and just the variety that I deal with. My biggest challenge is navigating the world of healthcare reimbursements. Sometimes, that can seem so distant,” she replied.
What are the qualities of a good nurse? “I think a nurse needs to be kind, considerate and passionate. Another important quality is to be a critical thinker,” Kem added.
“One of my first jobs in the medical field was a clerk in the ER. That is when several nurses mentored me which ignited a passion for patient care. After becoming an RN, I worked with a Risk Manager and a Chief Nursing Officer who led by example and shared their knowledge every day,” Kem said. “Later on, I think by me being a nurse might have rubbed off on my kids a little. “I have two sons and one daughter-in-law that are RNs,” she said with a smile.
Motivation comes easy for Kem. “My motivation to go to work every day is the simple fact that I have a desire to make things better; making a difference in the lives of others,” she stated.
Even though Kem’s days are officially Monday through Friday with administrative on call duties, realistically she works in some manner daily. “I make daily rounds through the hospital which allows me to stay in contact with the patients,” she said.
What is the greatest reward that you receive from your job? “I have been afforded the opportunity to connect with people and to watch others grow and flourish; seeing others happy is the greatest reward,” she replied. “It also helps that I work with great people. I am surrounded by a wonderful team; all striving to make each day better than the day before.”
Kem, where do you see yourself in 5 years? “When you are surrounded by people with 15, 20, 25 years at an organization, you know you are working for a good place; you want to stay right where you are. I’m sticking around.”
On more of a personal note, Kem has been happily married for 32 years. “I married my high school sweetheart,” she said. She enjoys spending time with her family; 3 boys, 3 daughters-in-law and 1 grandchild. Her pets consist of horses, chickens, cattle and a puppy. Kem’s life sounds pretty awesome!
I also asked Kem what is the one thing that she wanted for Christmas. Without hesitation, she said, “I’ve reached a stage in life where all I want is for my family to be able to spend time together. “
Kem’s life is COMPLETE as she shared the daily words she lives by: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Philippians 4:13.