Featured Nurse Profile Larry Pantuso Director of Cardiac Laboratories

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Where do you live? 

I live in Pittsburgh, PA.  Pittsburgh is a town that has transformed itself from a heavily industrial area to a high tech and healthcare economy.  It is within an easy car trip to the beach, mountains, ski resorts, NYC, Washington, DC and Baltimore Areas.

What do you do for fun?  In my free time I like to read business books, anything by John Grisham and spend a lot of time with my family.  We snow ski as a family and my children are all involved in sports, school activities and Special Olympics, so there are plenty of things to keep me occupied.  I am also interested in politics and am seeking the position of school board member for my local school district in the May 19 primary election in Pennsylvania.

Why did you decide to be a nurse? 

I got into nursing because I wanted to fly on a helicopter.  I am fortunate to say that I spent eleven years being a flight nurse.

What about your education? 

I went to a diploma program initially at St Francis Medical Center in Pittsburgh.  It no longer exists.  I have obtained a BSN and MBA since.

Where do you work? 

I am the Director of Cardiac Laboratories at a large Pittsburgh tertiary/teaching hospital.

What’s the most important issue facing nursing or healthcare in your mind?

 I feel that attracting and keeping talented nurses is the largest issue that we face as nurses and as a society in general.  Every year the gap between people needing healthcare and the nurses providing it widens.

Who your biggest influence is in life and/or career?

My wife is the biggest influence in my life and career.  Her motivation, encouragement and support for the past twenty-years allowed me to further my education and broaden my career.

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