A unique start to Emergency Nursing at Northwell Health

Meet Patrick Barnes, a registered nurse in the Emergency Department (ED) Nurse Fellowship at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH). Beginning his nursing career in October just before the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial months of his fellowship provided Patrick with the essential emergency nursing skills to work in a high-acuity, fast-paced emergency department- a unique start to his career.
The ED Nurse Fellowship helps new graduate and registered nurses who may be entering a new specialty gain invaluable skills before working on their own in the ED. As a fellow, Patrick spent the first 10-weeks of his career at Northwell’s Institute for Nursing with classroom education and simulation trainings to teach him the basics of working in the ED and prepare him to start working 12-hour shifts in December.

Working as a new nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic

As our emergency rooms saw a temporary increase in patient volume as the pandemic peaked in March, Patrick found strength from the experienced team around him in the ED. “Our preceptors and the other nurses in our unit have helped the nurse fellows and other new hires prepare for increased patient flow during COVID-19,” says Patrick. “Though demands in our ED would change daily, myself and the fellows I started with were able to adapt tremendously thanks to their support. We would have daily briefs and education to reinforce skills that would keep us and our patients safe.”
While his fellowship continues, the format has changed to keep our team members safe while complying with COVID-19 restrictions. Trainings and certifications are now taught through virtual platforms or while practicing social distancing in small classroom settings. Throughout the unprecedented circumstances, Patrick has never felt the guidance from Northwell and his leadership waver.

Building a future in emergency nursing at Northwell

With his fellowship now nearly over, Patrick feels prepared to start the next stages of his RN career at Northwell. “Within my first year as a nurse, Northwell has given me opportunities and training that I feel I may not have been offered elsewhere,” says Patrick. “It feels like a family once you begin to work with the team in the ED.”
Patrick’s passion for emergency nursing is the foundation for growing his career at Northwell. Working in the ED, he’s seen firsthand how our nurses have moved onto educator and management roles within the system. “It is exciting to see many of our team members move on to earn their MSN and have the support of the ED behind them,” says Patrick. “I am excited to see what the future holds at  Northwell.”
Start your nursing career with Northwell Health. Learn more about our nurse fellowship programs.