She then took a half-year course at the Freedman's Hospital in Washington, D.C. She subsequently worked at a winter health resort in Lakewood, New Jersey for two years and then decided to become a district nurse.
She first applied to the St. Phoebe's Mission in Brooklyn, New York and, although they showed interest, Scales was told that there were no openings.
[4] Dr. Devine is accredited with noting the high incidence of tuberculosis within the African American population in New York City and decided a Black district nurse should be hired due to the time period where there were many racial barriers.
[5] Two months later on October 3, 1900, despite opposition from the committee Scales became the first black district nurse at the COS on the recommendation of Dr. Devine.
Her job was to persuade the African American community of New York City to accept treatment for tuberculosis, a major health problem during this time period.