While growing up, Michael Gaber never considered becoming a nurse.

But now the 22-year-old hopes to become a nurse practitioner in a large hospital. He works part-time as a certified nursing assistant at Oak Park Place and also attends Northeast Iowa Community College's nursing program full-time.

"The program is not like any other program I've done," Gaber said about the intensive NICC program.

He plans to graduate from NICC's Licensed Practical Nursing program in May 2010 and from the Registered Nursing program in May 2011. Gaber plans to work awhile before he completes his Bachelor of Science in the nursing program.

Before Oak Park Place, Gaber enjoyed working as a CNA in the fast-paced environment at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic in Iowa City.

"I loved it," he said.

He now works in the relatively slow-paced environment of Oak Park Place. He was surprised to find that he enjoyed the work.

"When I started this job, it wasn't exactly what I wanted," Gaber said. "It turned out to be something that I really enjoy."

He passes

Michael Gaber Age: 22 Hometown: Dubuque Family: Parents, Marilyn and Dave; two younger brothers College: Northeast Iowa Community College Occupation: Certified nursing assistant at Oak Park Place

out medication and helps residents with their meals during his shift.

"I get to know these residents very well," he said. "The more you talk to them, the more you learn. They give lots of good advice."

Gaber has dealt with the stigma attached to male nurses a couple of times.

"There are residents here that don't want a male nurse," he said. "It doesn't really bother me too much. It's totally understandable."

In addition, when he worked at the hospital, a woman refused to allow him to treat her because she felt Gaber was too young and inexperienced.

"You have to respect it," Gaber said with a smile.

Probably the most difficult thing the college student has faced is death. He vividly remembers the time at the hospital when he pushed the code button for a patient who wasn't breathing. The patient later died.

"It was hard," Gaber said. "It's something you don't do every day."

He said it's harder to deal with the death of residents at Oak Park Place because you get to know everyone by more than their chart.

He said humor has been the key to help him cope through the difficult times.

"If you don't laugh, you'll cry," he added.