Congrats Dr. Scharmaine Baker! You were featured on WBOK 1230AM with the amazing Oliver Thomas!!! Listen below as she speaks about her upcoming induction into the very prestigious American Academy of Nursing as a Fellow, her new children’s book series Nola The Nurse®, and all about Advanced Practice Nurses!!!!
This has been a keynote speaking experience like none other. I never imagined falling madly in love with a community of clinicians, future midwives, and soon to be nurse practitioners. 
It all began when Dr. Julie Marfell, the Dean of Nursing picked me up from Bluegrass Airport. I was still in awe of the endless blades of green grass when I was cordially treated to an incredible organic meal at the local CoOp. Let me just say, ” I was licking my fingers.” I truly believe that I am a total foodie because well, I’m from New Orleans. This makes me a certified foodie. When I lick my fingers after eating, it’s good. Real good.
Anyway, we were then off for a 2.5 hr drive through the most majestic mountain terrain I had ever seen outside of the Great Smokey Mountains and the fabulous snow-topped mountains of AK. I hardly noticed that for about 30 minutes my phone was quietly registering and reporting , “NO SERVICE.” I didn’t notice because of the glorious scenery and the incredible fascinating stories about the founder of the Frontier Nursing School, Ms. Mary Carson Breckinridge . All I can say is, “WOW!” She was an incredible visionary that saw a need and filled it. I am so honored to have been the keynote speaker at the 5th Annual PRIDE Diversity Impact weekend. 
I’m really kinda glad that I didn’t do a lot of research on Frontier Nursing School before I arrived because that made everything a little more raw for me. More than ever, I have been overwhelmed with the spirit of compassion, community, diversity, and giving since arriving. I feel Ms. Breckinridge’s spirit all around me. I know she’s here. The home she lived in and the trails she took to deliver babies as a midwife for women in her community are still here. There is even a brick from THE Florence Nightingale here!!!!!!!!! It just doesn’t get any better. I rubbed it. I was in the room with it.
As my journey draws to a close, I will relish in the noises from a cricket-filled night and maybe take one more hike through the mountains because I’m always trying to get more steps!
Nola wants to be a nurse practitioner just like her mom. She has learned how to care for people of all ages and now visits her friends to heal their sick baby dolls. Along the way, she learns more about her culturally diverse world.
Nola the Nurse was born from the desire of Dr. Scharmaine L. Baker who had been searching for children’s books that were both culturally sensitive and featured African-American nurses. She had found none, so she decided to create her own and Nola the Nurse was born.
Nola the Nurse, She’s On The Go, is the first in a series of beautifully illustrated bedtime stories, perfect for young children. Your child will delight in the colorful pictures and will also learn important cultural lessons.
PURCHASE HERE: http://www.amazon.com/Nola-Nurse-Shes-Go-1/dp/0991240723/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431027542&sr=1-3&keywords=nola+the+nurse