Earline has a bachelor of science degree in nursing and a master’s degree in public health from Loma Linda University. She then went on to earn a doctorate degree in nursing from The University of Texas at Austin. Practicing as a nurse since 1960, Earline has worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, home health and schools. She has also taught nursing at colleges and universities. Earline is particularly interested in and focused on community nursing and pediatrics. She is also certified in health services, is a public-health nurse and a member of the Sigma Theta Tau international nursing honor society. Earline’s pastimes include camping, walking, gardening and doll-collecting.