Kimberly Pritchard, APRN-CNP, is a nurse practitioner in the general cardiology unit and has been working at Oklahoma Heart Institute since 2016. "I have felt so blessed to work with such amazing people every day," she said.

Pritchard, who knew she wanted to be a nurse since the second grade, chose to work in cardiology after both of her grandparents went through open heart surgery. "I was in my teenage years at the time, and there was just something about cardiology that intrigued me," she said. "Over the years I have found that cardiology is a field that allows me to build long-term clinical relationships with patients."

Since that personal experience with her grandparents, Pritchard prioritizes providing each patient with a warm, personal experience. "I want to make a positive difference in my patient's lives. I want to treat every patient as if they were my own family. I want to put their best health interests first. I feel it's important to never forget that behind each patient is a person," she said.

When it comes to staying healthy, Pritchard said, "I encourage a healthy lifestyle because I have personally found it to be rewarding. I love being able to play with my kids whenever they ask, without fear of becoming breathless. For me, I encourage a healthy lifestyle in order to enjoy life without restrictions."

When Pritchard is not at the hospital, she can be found at the softball fields coaching and watching her daughter's play, exercising and enjoying the lake with her family.