Father-Son Bond Strengthens Shared Calling in Nursing
By: Erin Hoolihan-Rice
For Nathaniel Bakaitis, professional staff nurse, Resource Pool, and Brian Bakaitis, CRNA level 1, Anesthesiology, UPMC Washington, Nursing has become more than a career path — it is a shared experience that connects them as father and son.
This shared calling has been meaningful to Nathaniel since the very beginning of his career when he graduated from UPMC Washington School of Nursing, the same school Brian graduated from in 1982.
“One of my proudest moments was being pinned by him during the pinning ceremony in front of all my instructors and peers,” Nathaniel said. “Also, getting to have my class picture hung on the same wall as his 44 years later.”
Brian completed his CRNA boards in 1985 and has worked at UPMC Washington for 20 years. Nathaniel shared that his father is one of the many people who inspired him to achieve his goal of becoming a nurse and has been a constant source of encouragement. For Brian, seeing that influence take shape has been especially meaningful.
“I think it’s awesome to know that I’ve had some influence in Nate’s decision to enter nursing,” Brian said. “I always tell the story how at his age of 13, I started trying to intrigue him into the field of nursing for numerous reasons. It wasn’t until years later, despite my constant mentioning a nursing career, that he decided to enter the field.”
“Through everything, he has always said, ‘you can accomplish anything you want as long as you dedicate yourself,’” Nathaniel shared. “He has helped me grow and learn in the nursing field from day one. We never run out of things to talk about.”
Sharing a career in the medical field — and even the same building — with his dad has given Nathaniel someone who understands the challenges, rewards, and responsibility of caring for patients. For Brian, those conversations are a point of pride.
“It warms my heart when he approaches me and discusses patient care, as I always try to enlighten him with knowledge from my years of experience,” Brian said.
On difficult days, Nathaniel often draws on Brian’s experience and perspective. He values hearing his father share about his experiences through his career as a nurse anesthetist.
“He has a way of taking his experiences and turning them into teaching moments, which I believe have prepared me for numerous scenarios I have encountered,” Nathaniel said. “He is a constant voice in the back of my head during stressful situations.”
Brian is proud of Nathaniel’s career choice and the person he has become. “I’m so proud of Nate and so thrilled that even though it took some years to persuade him, that he ended with a nursing career,” Brian said. “I’ve always stressed to him growing up that the most important thing is that you’re a fine young man in your life, and I can definitely say that he is.”
Outside of work Brian and Nathaniel share an interest in motorcycles and muscle cars, and they enjoy hunting pheasants together with Zella, Brian’s Labrador Retriever — time that gives them another way to connect, share stories, and enjoy being outdoors together.
For Nathaniel and Brian, their bond as father and son adds another layer of meaning to their work in nursing — a source of pride, support, and continued learning.
