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Kimberly Shaw

Kimberly Shaw

Dignity Health

Las Vegas, NV USA

"if you love something, love it. Don't let anyone rain on your parade—just love doing it."

Career Roadmap

Kimberly's work combines: Medicine, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

Chief Executive Officer

We are responsible for the strategic vision and overall operation of our hospital, making sure we provide quality care.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Vocational

    Licensed Vocational Nurse

    Vernon Regional Junior College

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Nursing

    Southwestern Oklahoma State University

  • Graduate Degree

    Business

    Texas Woman's University

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Chief Executive Officer:

Vocational: Licensed Vocational Nurse

Bachelor's Degree: Nursing

Graduate Degree: Business

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    I was the first kid in my family, on both sides, to go to college and finish college. To me, that was incredible; especially because I did it with three kids.

  • 2.

    Then, I worked as a nurse for several years. My husband asked me one time, "How many lives have you saved?" Now looking back, I'm proud of every time I helped save someone's life or made it better.

  • 3.

    More recently, I became a CEO of a company. As a woman going up the ranks, it was not an easy path, so I'd say that was a big deal for me.

  • 4.

    This past year I was nominated for Women Inspiring Nevada and that was just a huge honor. I was humbled that someone would nominate me for it.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Family:

    As a teenager, I told someone in my family I think I want to be a doctor that delivers babies. They would respond, "Think of all the dinners and holidays you'll miss. You'll always get called out."

  • How I responded:

    I think people can discourage you without meaning to. They can sometimes play devil's advocate, and can sometimes rain on your parade a little bit. What I tell people is, if you love something, love it. Don't let anyone rain on your parade, just love doing it. You are going to have tough times, but there is always going to be downsides for everything. Be passionate about what you do, and if you are passionate about what you do, then you are doing the right thing.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I was a single mom raising three kids as I was going to school and bettering myself.

  • I had a lot of financial issues. I was on food stamps and government assistance.

  • I was also a victim of domestic violence and stayed in a home for battered women.