— For Kyle Smith, an ICU nurse manager at AdventHealth Manchester, his passion for health care began at a young age, fostered by the passing of his great-grandmother, Virgie.
During her final moments in hospice care, Virgie softly asked him, “Kyle, can you help me?” Smith, who was 12 years old at the time, promised her he’d do his best to provide comfort to others in vulnerable situations.
“I couldn’t help her at the time,” he said. “But I assured her that I would help others like her in the future.”
Smith’s great-grandmother's impact on his life was profound. In her early years, she worked as an educator, dedicating her life to improving literacy in underserved communities. Inspired by her resilience and compassion, and his promise to her, Smith embarked on a nursing journey 10 years ago.
Today, as a leader at his facility, he extends that same compassion to his nursing team and patients, helping to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
“I am so proud to be a part of a team that strives to extend the healing ministry of Christ every single day,” he said.
As he reflects on his decade-long career, Smith acknowledges that it hasn’t been without challenges. One of his most significant milestones was stepping into an elevated role as manager of his facility’s ICU during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the transition, Smith said the experience provided him with a newfound perspective on whole-person care.
His community’s rural setting and tight-knit nature have enabled him and his team to foster close connections with their patients. With his involvement in the management of the infusion center in the last couple of months – one of the few in the area – Smith is able to further nurture these relationships.
“Our patients come from all walks of life," he said. "It is our duty to make each of them feel cared for.”
Smith's dedication to his community goes beyond the hospital walls. When devastating floods hit eastern Kentucky in 2022 – leaving many, including his own team members, helpless – his promise to his great-grandmother compelled him to action. He volunteered in a community support initiative, providing food and essential supplies to those in need.
Smith continues to draw inspiration from the legacy of his great-grandmother, who encouraged him to be a steward to the people around him, just like she once did. He is grateful for the support of his leaders and colleagues, who motivate him to lead with intentionality and purpose.
He often reminds his team, “You have the opportunity to be kind, caring and compassionate. That's what the patient and their family will remember."
