Erma Cooke

Erma brings over four decades of expertise in neonatal nursing and healthcare leadership to her writing. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from LaGrange College, completed her Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certificate at Beth El School of Nursing, and holds a master’s degree in nursing from Stony Brook University in New York. She began her career as a registered nurse in the Newborn Nursery in 1984. Erma became a certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner in 1993. She proudly served the US military cimmunity from 2000 to 2014, providing critical neonatal care during assignments in Germany, Fort Hood, Texas, and Naval Hospital Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. Currently, she continues her clinical practice at a rural hospital in North Carolina, ensuring specialized care reaches underserved communities.

Beyond her clinical work, Erma is a dedicated educator and leader in her field. She writes test questions for the Center for Certification Preparation and Review (CCPR) where she also serves as Chair of the Board. She maintains active membership in the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) and the National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NANNP). Her commitment to service extends to board positions with two other nonprofit groups - Grace Clinic and Lumunos.

As an author, Erma has contributed to multiple CCPR workbooks and was a contributing author to "Dancing with Darkness - Stories of Healing and Light" and "Feathers Brush My Heart" with Sinclair Browning. Her current book, "Dancing with Life: Stories from the Neonatal ICU" will be published this fall. Her writing reflects her deep understanding of healing, resilience, and the profound connections formed through healthcare service. Erma's unique perspective combines clinical expertise, rural healthcare experience, and a passion for storytelling that touches the hearts of readers seeking inspiration and understanding.