Pitta admits that there have been some difficulties during his studies.
"It took a little while to make the decision but I always knew that I wanted to help people and after talking to nurses who had been doing it for a long time, the decision was so easy," he said
Pitta said it would be nice if the stereotypes surrounding the profession didn't exist.
"I get the 'Focker' joke [from Meet the Parents] all the time," he said. "People are just not used to seeing males in the profession. I think that's a shame, men are needed. It's not the white dress and knee socks profession anymore, it's a roll up your sleeves and get down and dirty. If you're going to do it, you just have to be open-minded and be ready for anything."
Luckily, Pitta identifies the most difficult aspects of the experience as the same as any other student. "The hardest part has to be the classes. Three hour classes are not fun and the tests aren't much better, but it is definitely worth every second to be in class. Without the class, the clinical is worthless because you will just not be able to do things for your patients," said Pitta.
Pitta also said the best part of his experience has to be the clinicals.
"Just talking with my patients throughout the day is great; at the end of the day they have a huge smile for you and it makes you feel like you have accomplished something," he said.
"Also, everyone in the hospital loves male nurses. There are not nearly enough of us, so patients are usually surprised to find out that I am in nursing school, but when they do find out, they are usually impressed with my decision," he said.
Pitta has had a positive experience in his classes as well. He enjoys being a minority because so many of his classmates are outgoing and willing to talk to him.
"I feel blessed. I am around women all day long, and they are so much fun. Everyone is always really friendly," he said.
His teachers are also supportive of his unique situation. Men are in short supply in the nursing school, so those that decide to take that path are made to feel welcome.
Spring Break
Anonymous
posted 4/28/06 @ 1:34 AM EST
That's a fair story, everyone should have the right to pursue any career they'd like, regardless of their gender. It is beneficial to have a balance between male and female workers particulary in health care teams, as not all patients prefer the same gender. (Continued…)