Influential Woman · Administrative and Healthcare

Karen Dodds

Federal Aid Administrator, State of Nebraska

Lincoln, NE

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree High School Diploma Degree Some College Education in Accounting and Microsoft Applications Degree CNA Training Cert CNA Training

Her Story

About Karen

I have been working in the administrative and healthcare field for about 10 years total, though I've been caregiving on and off for the last 15 years and doing administrative jobs for probably 15 years as well. I currently work in multiple roles - I am a caregiver for a couple home agencies, and I also work full-time as an administrator for managing railroad safety projects, a position I've held for 3 years. In these roles, I handle a wide range of responsibilities including caring for my patients, billing and payroll, medical records, accounts receivables and payables, managing projects, and processing invoices. What I find most rewarding is being a caregiver and taking care of people - that's why I'm called the nickname Care Bear. Before I jumped into this field, I thought it was something I would never see myself doing, but what keeps me going is the people - hearing their backgrounds and what their needs are, what their care plans are, and how I can better their lives.

Quick Facts

IndustryAdministrative and Healthcare
Based inLincoln, NE
Specialty Caregiving, Administrative Management, Billing and Payroll
- Medical Records
- Accounts Receivables and Payables
- Railroad Safety Project Management
Volunteers with Salvation Army

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Karen

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would have to say just the people, hearing their backgrounds and what their needs are, what their care plans are, and how can I better their lives. That's what drives me and keeps me going in this field.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would just say, just to go for whatever your passion is. Don't hold back - pursue what you're passionate about.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I'd say, like, getting more training and learning. It's hard to find the time outside of what I do. With everything I'm juggling, finding opportunities for additional professional development is really challenging.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I'd have to just say that I just strive to be better than I was before. I take criticism pretty heavily, and it always just pushes me to do better, so having negative feedback always just makes me better. I use that as motivation to continuously improve myself.

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