The debate surrounding gender in the medical field is highly sensitive and controversial. But when most people think about the inequalities within the sciences, they tend to forget that the odds can be stacked against men, too. Right here at Boston College, a small group of men is venturing into a field largely dominated by women - nursing.
Male nurses are few and far between within the halls of Cushing, but they are successful in their endeavors to break the gender barriers, and they are leaving their mark on their fellow nurses-in-training.
One of these studentes, Tim Pitta, CSON '06, shares his story.
"I wanted to go into the [Connell] School of Nursing because I love dealing with people. I found that this was the best way to deal with them and help them as much as I can. Also, being in the nursing profession gives you so many options. There are literally endless career options to choose from once you become certified," he said. "My family was a little shocked at first, but now they support me totally."
One of the questions that Pitta was faced with in his decision was whether to become a doctor instead.
"You definitely meet some people that question why I want to be a nurse, but for the most part I find that being a male in the profession helps so much. Women are great at the job, they do it so well and do not complain about anything, but there are just some things that being a man can help a lot with; you are always going to run into patients who are on the larger side and need to be moved, and I find being a male in that situation helps sometimes.
"But I definitely feel, no matter what gender, you need a soft side. Nothing is better than seeing your patient smile. I love finding a few minutes just to talk to my patients, nothing makes me happier in a day of work then just talking to my patient about something totally different then their illness. Doctors do not get that side of medicine. I have been around hospitals before and I have realized that doctors cure an illness and nurses cure patients. I didn't want my profession to be so removed from people," he said.
2008 Woodie Awards
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…)