Bates graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Continuing on with her educational goals, Lorraine completed graduate school in Cincinnati, Ohio. After returning to Oklahoma, Bates continued to work in the medical field as a director of Community Links, a home-health care and private duty nursing department for two area hospitals, Miami Baptist Regional and Grove General Hospital. The lack of available nursing service for elderly patients caught her attention and an in interest in geriatric nursing resulted. Though retired from nursing, Lorraine continues to work with the elderly through the Cherokee Elders Council, Inc. and as a Vista volunteer. In 2002 she was awarded the Joe Henton Memorial Award for Outstanding Advocate for the Elderly. Lorraine's compassionate nature has endeared her to many.