Care Provider Spotlight: Cole Barkich and Nicole Wilkinson

Cole Barkich and Nicole Wilkinson are travel nurses who joined Amare Medical Network in November 2021. They have been working together in Covid ICU units in the Pittsburgh area. It can be an emotionally difficult assignment, but the couple is dedicated to providing care worthy of a million smiles for their patients.

“It’s never fun being in the hospital so to do some good with that makes it easier for them, to bring some good out of a bad situation,” Cole said.

They usually work the same shifts, so they can support each other through difficult times.

“Bringing a good attitude and always having each other’s back helps. I’m glad she’s there for me and I’m there for her when things get tough.”

“Cole and Nikki pick up shifts and help the facilities when they are short-staffed,” said Senior Recruiter Brittney Jackson. She recently presented the pair with Amare’s first-ever Care Provider Core Values Ambassador award. “They are always willing to lend a hand.”

Cole and Nicole began working in ICU units before Covid and continued to do so throughout the pandemic.

“At the height of it, there wasn’t much visitation for these people and we really were their family members at the time,” he said. “To be able to advocate for them and get them a phone call with their family – they were alone and to be able to make them feel comfortable for a night was a win.”

Both have enjoyed becoming travel nurses and plan to continue to travel together.

“We’ve had great communication with our recruiter Brittney. She has helped guide us through any challenges with new places,”  Cole said. “We’ve had a great experience. I wouldn’t change a thing.”