Compassion, Confidence, and Care in the ER
In the fast-paced world of emergency medicine, Registered Nurse Brittany Barrett thrives. A two-time graduate of Lake Superior State University, Brittany currently works in the Emergency Department at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault, where her calm under pressure and deep compassion for her patients make a real difference every day.
Brittany Barrett (second from right) and ER co-workers
Brittany’s journey to becoming an RN wasn’t a straight path—but it was one shaped by purpose and personal experience. “I originally came to LSSU in 2010 with the intention of becoming a doctor,” she explains. “But during my third year, a close family member became seriously ill. Watching the nurses provide not only medical care but emotional support made me realize that nursing was where I was meant to be.”
After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Brittany returned to LSSU to pursue her second degree in Nursing, graduating in 2017. It was during her final year in the program that she began interning in the Emergency Department at War Memorial Hospital, now MyMichigan Medical Center Sault. That internship turned into a full-time job—one she’s held ever since.
A Family Tradition
Brittany’s choice to attend LSSU was inspired by both family and familiarity. “LSSU is a family college for us,” she says. “My mom and two of my aunts graduated from Lake State. I’d grown up hearing their stories and spending time in the Sault. I loved the small class sizes and being close to home.”
That close-knit campus experience helped shape her personally and professionally. “My education at LSSU taught me to make real connections with people,” she reflects. “That’s been incredibly valuable in my work as a nurse, especially when patients are at their most vulnerable.”
Real-World Experience, Right From the Start
Brittany credits her clinical experiences and supportive faculty at LSSU for setting her up for success. “Being able to complete clinicals in the actual emergency department I work in today gave me confidence. I wasn’t walking into a completely new environment once I graduated,” she shares.
Professors like Dr. Britton Ranson Olson also made a lasting impact. “She was my advisor during my biology degree and helped guide me through switching paths to nursing. Her support meant a lot during that transition.”
Building Skills Beyond the Classroom
Outside of academics, Brittany was involved in intramural sports and SAILS (Student Alumni Involved for Lake State), a student group that worked with the Alumni Association. “Those experiences helped me develop teamwork and communication skills—both of which are essential in the ER,” she says. “SAILS also gave me leadership opportunities that I carry with me today.”
Challenges, Growth, and Making a Difference
Every shift in the ER brings new challenges—and no two days are the same. “That’s what I love about this work. We treat everyone from newborns to seniors, and everything in between,” says Brittany. “As a rural hospital, we handle it all—we don’t have as many specialties, so we become more versatile nurses.”
She also acknowledges some of the broader challenges in the profession. One of her most memorable moments came outside of patient care—during a five-day nurses’ strike last spring. “It was one of the most difficult and unanticipated challenges in my career,” she says. “But walking the picket line with my colleagues showed me the power of unity and advocacy. That experience will always stay with me.”
Words of Wisdom
Looking back, Brittany says one of the biggest lessons she learned is to trust her instincts. “I wish I had chosen nursing from the beginning, but I felt pressure because people said I was ‘too smart to be a nurse.’ In reality, nursing is one of the smartest and most compassionate professions there is.”
For current students or aspiring nurses, she offers this advice: “You’ll never know everything—and that’s okay. Be open to learning. Find a mentor you can ask questions without fear, and always be confident, but humble.”
Laker Pride Lives On
From cheering on Laker Hockey as the school’s official CCHA Superfan, to helping save lives in her hometown, Brittany Barrett represents the best of what it means to be a Laker.
“I’m passionate about helping people,” she says. “And every time someone tells me I made a difference—whether I saved their life or just made a hard day easier—it reminds me why I chose this path.”
Outside of work, Brittany enjoys life in Sault Ste. Marie with her husband Mike—also a proud 2017 LSSU alum—and their three-year-old son. The family enjoys the strong sense of community the Sault offers, and Brittany is grateful to be raising her son in a place that feels like home. Whether she’s on the hospital floor or spending time with her loved ones, Brittany brings heart, dedication, and a true Laker spirit to everything she does.