With a goal of a career in medicine, Kenny Whirley, B.S.N., R.N., took classes at a junior college in anatomy, physics and chemistry. His career took off, however, not in a hospital but on runways throughout the world when he became a flight attendant.
“I traveled millions of miles and lived out of a suitcase for 12 years before going to nursing school,” said Whirley, Trauma Program manager, Texas Health Hospital Frisco.
Whirley worked at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano for five years before joining Texas Health Frisco three years ago. He has earned a reputation as a gifted trauma leader.
“Kenny is dedicated to his craft, our patients and our team,” said Manny Beltran, MBA, B.S.N., R.N., CEN, director of Med-Surg, ICU and Emergency Services, Texas Health Frisco. “His warm heart and dynamic personality are truly remarkable, and his ability to forge deep, meaningful relationships sets the stage for outstanding outcomes.”
Whirley also is committed to Our Texas Health Promise.
“He epitomizes reliability and naturally embodies Our Texas Health Promise Behaviors,” Beltran said.
Learn more about Whirley, in his own words.
What did you want to be as a kid, and how did you ultimately choose your career?
When I was a kid, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in aviation or medicine. I began taking anatomy, physics and chemistry classes at a local junior college. I wanted to create a pathway for a successful career in the medical field. I later had a desire to travel, so I became a flight attendant. I flew for Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and on private jets for Bombardier Aerospace. After traveling millions of miles, I decided to go to nursing school. I obtained an EMT certification while taking prerequisite classes, and I worked in the emergency department while attending nursing school. My nursing career has consisted of bedside nursing in the emergency department, intensive care unit and post-anesthesia care unit, as well as leadership roles as a manager of emergency services and Trauma Program manager.
What is your workday like?
A typical workday for me can vary from day to day. Mondays are more challenging, because we usually have numerous trauma cases to review that presented over the weekend. I work with an amazing Trauma Department team, and we work collaboratively to ensure the Trauma Program’s smooth operation. I also monitor that our department and facility are adhering to standards and improving patient care by managing staff, budgets, and quality improvement activities and educational initiatives.
What is your favorite part of your job, and the biggest challenge?
The most rewarding aspects of my job are knowing the impact that our department has on patient care, the opportunity to improve systems and the chance to collaborate with a dedicated team. I truly work with one of the most amazing teams that I have encountered in my entire nursing career.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you
Many people are shocked when they hear that I am a licensed funeral director and embalmer, as well as a licensed private pilot.
How do you do your life’s best work at Texas Health?
It is easy to strive to do my best at Texas Health Frisco because Texas Health Resources is by far the best healthcare organization that I have ever worked with. Texas Health is not only patient-focused but also heavily employee-centered. My goal is to concentrate on mastering my role, as well as maintaining a positive and productive work environment. It’s a blessing to work at Texas Health Frisco.
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