Gloria Baker Smith

What would you do if your guidance counselor proposed that you abandon your artistic ambitions in favor of a career in service to others, one that involves panty hose, white oxfords, and the handling of body fluids? If you were a high school senior, female, and the year was 1972,  chances are you would say, “Oh, okay,” and get on with it. And if you were Gloria Baker, you would make up your mind to be the best nurse ever—a career you never before aspired to, but what the heck. Life is full of surprises. Gloria enters nursing at a time when doctors rule, patients get backrubs, and recordkeeping is done by hand.  Nurses are crowned with starched white caps anchored with bobby pins. Over the next five decades, from the hills of Vermont to the remote villages of Nicaragua, she will minister to all kinds of people in all stages of life, from first wail to last gasp. Some she loves, and some she doesn't. Never mind: In nursing, everyone is supposed to get equal treatment. It's a job that requires a big heart and an even bigger sense of humor. In writing down the highlights, Gloria offers us—no matter what our occupation—lessons in the art of being human. 

The print edition of BLOOD PRESSURE WITH BENEFITS is available from Lulu.com.

GLORIA BAKER SMITH is a semi-retired nurse, artist, and writer. A native Vermonter, she enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren, and grandpets; creating award-winning miniatures; smelling horses; and rock hunting in Vermont's many beautiful  rivers.