Seeing Double in Saint Mary's ICU - The Barnes Twins

Patients in Saint Mary’s Intensive Care Unit are seeing double and for good reason. Identical twin sisters, London and Olivia Barnes, have recently begun their careers as nurses. This dynamic duo, born and raised in Russellville, has made a unique mark on their community by choosing to serve it together.

The Barnes twins' journey into the medical field began with a shared fascination for healthcare. Olivia recalls, “The medical field has always interested me. Seeing medical professionals help our loved ones while in the hospital made me have so much respect for them. Nurses were always the first ones you talk to, and I felt like I could see myself loving that profession.”

This shared passion led both sisters to Arkansas Tech University, where they pursued their nursing degrees together. The experience, they agree, was made more special by having each other’s support. “We have always been so similar when it comes to interests and goals for the future,” says Olivia. “Although we each individually decided to pursue nursing, it was great to know that we would be doing it together. Nursing school is hard, but having your best friend to study with and help you through it at all times makes a huge difference.”

For London and Olivia, staying in Russellville was a natural choice. Having completed their clinicals and preceptorship in the ICU at Saint Mary’s, they felt a strong connection to the hospital and the community. “Everyone at Saint Mary’s was always very welcoming during clinicals in nursing school,” says London. “We both completed our preceptorship in the ICU at Saint Mary’s, and although we did not intend to both work in the same unit, we fell in love with it.”

Their identical looks and opposite shifts have led to some amusing situations. Olivia laughs, “This has happened a lot with one of us working night shift and the other working day shift! Patients have been concerned that we were working all day, and we have had to explain that we have a twin sister. We try to introduce ourselves together at shift change if we can, so they aren’t confused. We are used to it though, and don’t mind at all when we get called the wrong name!”

ICU Director Lauryn Gore shares her thoughts on the twins: “At first, I thought, 'How in the world will I ever be able to manage identical twins?' It turns out London and Olivia are a dynamic duo! Not only do patients get them confused, but doctors and other nurses not from our unit confuse them all the time. During leader rounding, it is hilarious to hear patients think they had the same nurse for multiple shifts in a row. Even with so many similarities, they both have different quirks and traits that make them stand out. Their heart for Russellville and Saint Mary’s sealed the deal. Our ICU team and Saint Mary’s are blessed with these Russellville natives that want to give back to the community that has poured into them.”

Working in their hometown holds a special significance for the twins. London shares, “Olivia and I were born at Saint Mary’s, so working here in Russellville is extra special to us! It is so nice to see familiar faces in both patients and other staff. It has made starting a new job less scary. It is the most rewarding experience to be able to start serving the community that we have always called home.”

London and Olivia’s story is one of dedication, love for their hometown and the special bond of sisterhood. Their unique bond and shared passion will undoubtedly leave a positive mark on the lives of those they care for.

Photo by: Brianna Dae of Dae Photography
Left to right: Olivia Barnes and London Barnes