Barbara J Barrett

'Hood Medical Barbara J Barrett

The experiences included in 'Hood Medical: This Is Why I Sing range from hospital, home care, and public-school nursing, all the way to dialysis nursing on an Alaskan cruise ship and visiting an elementary school setting in West Africa! Having received a bachelor's degree in vocal music education from The University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music, Barbara's decision to go to nursing school came on the heels of a less than fulfilling student teaching experience. It was enough to let her know the classroom was not for her. As singing and music are and were at the time, sacred to her, she decided to leave them on the shelf and apply to nursing school, ultimately graduating from the old St. Vincent Charity Hospital School of Nursing. Nursing has been a wonderful career, all while still singing. While practicing as an RN, she sang with The Cleveland Orchestra and Blossom Festival Choruses; has sung jazz, gospel, reggae, European classical and more, on stages in and around Northeast Ohio and nationally, and has used her musical gifts to keep herself encouraged, energized and healed, as well as to hopefully provide solace, healing, and entertainment for her many audiences over the years. Having worked primarily in what can be referred to as the greater Cleveland area's inner city, Barbara's descriptions of certain scenarios in 'Hood Medical are supported by usage of Ebonics and what would be considered 'hood dialect. Not to worry, though! 'Hood Medical includes a handy 'Hood Glossary in the early pages of the book! Also included are a few of her personal stories referred to as pitfalls, transparencies emphasizing how fragile the human condition can be despite socio-economic status, and despite whether or not one has a "good job." To summarize the stories she's shared, and in keeping with skilled nursing, #NurseBarbara has briefly recapped some of what she views as society's social and health-related issues and has offered some grassroots solutions in her final chapters. Moving forward, Barbara's focus is arts, culture and wellness, and sharing her story to larger audiences.