A Rochester nurse, helping treat COVID-19 patients in New Jersey, is sharing her reality and insight from the front lines.

Olivia Goodwin, 32, is a registered nurse of four years. Her experience is primarily in the operating room. She has worked at several health care organizations, including SUNY Upstate Medical Center and per diem at Rochester General Hospital.

“My drive for doing good and being there for humanity overpowered my fear,” said Goodwin.

Goodwin tells her story, of not thinking twice, when responding to the call for help in combatting the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. She is now caring for patients who tested positive for the virus at a long-term acute care facility in Milford, NJ.

“Let’s do this,” said Goodwin. “I’m going to go help these people. I’m going to help my fellow coworkers, nurses, providers. I figured I could give a part of me to hopefully help in this fight.”

Goodwin made the drive early Sunday to one of the hardest hit states, behind New York, amid the pandemic. She will work four 12-hour shifts, every week, for the next month. Monday was her first day on the job.

"There's about 170 or some patients,” said Goodwin. “The virus has engulfed this health care facility. Yesterday was my first day of orientation; tomorrow I'll be on my own. In those four hours [of orientation] I already lost my first COVID-19 patient. I mean, that's the reality."

Goodwin says she has a strong support system of family, friends, and fellow health care professionals. This keeps her grounded and motivated to keep going. She also has the moral support of her new colleagues in New Jersey.

“That comradery was amazing,” said Goodwin. “It just validated that I was so happy I can be here to help them.”

Goodwin is set to work at the long-term care facility for the next four weeks. In these times of uncertainty, she hopes to lead by example — inspiring others to do what they can and help flatten the curve.

“I want to look back at the end of my life,” says Goodwin, “be proud of the things I’ve done and hopefully encourage others to do good.”

Goodwin says when her assignment is complete, she will have to quarantine for two weeks and looks forward to continuing her duties as an RN in greater Rochester.