Sharon Stiles King, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CLNC, serves as the vice president of patient care at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Denton. Her educational background includes a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Texas Christian University, a Master of Business Administration in health care administration from Texas Wesleyan University, a Master of Science in nursing administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Texas Tech University, and an associate degree in nursing from McLennan Community College. In addition to these degrees, Dr. King holds certifications in advanced cardiovascular life support, basic life support for health care providers, nurse executive advanced, registered nurse, and certified legal nurse consultant.
Dr. King has nearly two decades of experience in health care, with a focus on cardiovascular care and nursing leadership. After transitioning into nursing in her thirties, she applied her caregiving instincts and customer service skills to help patients and their families navigate challenging health issues. She held several leadership roles, including vice president of patient care at Baylor Scott White Health Brenham and director of cardiovascular services at Baylor Scott White Health Fort Worth. Additionally, she served as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, helping to educate future nurses.
Throughout her career, Dr. King has made substantial contributions, particularly during her time at Baylor Scott White Health in Brenham, where she played a pivotal role in achieving Magnet status for the organization. She provided critical leadership in developing and implementing strategies that aligned nursing practices with regulatory standards and ensured high-quality care. While she now holds an administrative position, Dr. King maintains a connection to patient care, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when she returned to the ICU to assist with hands-on care.
Dr. King credits her success to her networking skills and the relationships she has built through nursing. These connections have been instrumental, allowing her to gain insights from colleagues and mentors. Looking ahead, she has set ambitious goals, including passing the Board of Governors exam in 2024 and leading the development of a second hospital location. She is also involved in an upcoming merger that will expand her hospital’s network, making it the largest cardiovascular center in the nation. Her long-term goal is to advance into the role of chief nursing officer.
Personal experiences deeply influenced Dr. King’s path to cardiac nursing. Initially planning to focus on pediatric nursing, she shifted her interest to cardiac care after her mother underwent open-heart surgery. This decision became even more significant when her father, a retired firefighter, suffered two cardiac arrests. These events solidified her commitment to cardiac nursing, as she supported her family and patients during critical moments. Dr. King emphasizes the importance of patient education in cardiac care, helping individuals and their families understand medical decisions and preventative measures to manage heart disease.
One defining moment in Dr. King’s early career occurred while working in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. An elderly woman, admitted with a severe gastrointestinal bleed, was approaching the end of her life with no family by her side. A veteran nurse nearing retirement took it upon herself to sit with the patient during her final moments, offering comfort through touch and gentle words. This compassionate act left a lasting impression on Dr. King, reinforcing her belief that nursing goes beyond medical care and includes providing emotional support to patients at their most vulnerable.
In her leadership role, Dr. King is dedicated to ensuring her team has the resources and support they need to deliver the best possible care. She actively works to remove barriers that hinder efficient care delivery, allowing her nursing staff to focus on their patients. Dr. King advocates for shared governance, encouraging nurses to shape their practice through goal setting and strategic planning actively. Her leadership involves advocating for the necessary tools, equipment, and staff to ensure a well-functioning, empowered nursing team.
In addition to her responsibilities at Baylor Scott & White, Dr. King is also a certified legal nurse consultant, assisting attorneys with cases involving nurses facing allegations from the board of nursing. She is committed to fairness in these cases, ensuring that minor infractions do not result in unnecessary loss of nursing licenses. Dr. King sees every case as an opportunity to promote education and help nurses improve their practice, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and continuing to grow in their profession.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. King enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and staying active through brisk walking and exercise. She holds memberships in the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Texas Organization of Nurse Executives, and the Texas Nurses Association. Her commitment to her personal and professional well-being reflects a balanced approach to life, focusing on growth and development in all areas.
Dr. King’s work has been shaped by her resilience, empathy, and dedication to nursing. From her experiences with cardiac care to her leadership in nursing administration, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving patients’ lives and supporting her team. As she continues to take on new challenges, Dr. King remains focused on advancing her career and making a lasting impact in health care.
