A VISIT WITH DR. SCHARMAINE L. BAKER, NP
Dr. Scharmaine L. Baker came to visit me at the Privy Oasis offices. We are excited to stand beside Dr. Scharmaine L. Baker, NP as she continues paving the way in New Orleans.
After Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Baker was instrumental in caring for the sick and disabled in New Orleans, where hospitals had closed and doctors had evacuated but never returned. Her patient load went from 100 to 500 in only three months. Thanks to her passion and unwavering dedication to caring for homebound patients in her home town, Dr. Baker’s story was featured on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.
During her quest, she had been searching for children’s books that were both culturally sensitive and featured African-American nurses. In her search for children’s books about nurse practitioners, she found a lack of options.
“While there were a few books about nurses, there were none that encompassed the role I play,” she recalls. “And so, I sought to create a diverse heroine that would pique my daughter’s interest.” With this goal in mind, Nola the Nurse was born. (As a side note, NOLA is a common abbreviation for New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Baker’s beloved home town).
“Each home Nola visits celebrates a different culture,” says Dr. Baker. “Just like in the real world, every home and everyone is different, whether it is their culture or belief system. And that is really what I wanted to convey with these books – cultural sensitivity,” she emphasizes. “So, when Nola goes to these homes she gets to learn about a different culture as well as share a meal with the family.” Baker says.
Dr. Bakers book series and accessories are gaining national attention. Help me spread the word! You can purchase your gear here: https://shop.nolathenursestore.com.
Being Contagious With Change,
Dr. Taaka Cash, DNP, MPH, MSN, RN, FPMHNP-BC is certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry with prescriptive authority. Visit www.PrivyOasis.com to learn about her practice.