Katherine LaNasa on Finding the Heart of The Pitt
When actress Katherine LaNasa stepped into the shoes of Dana, a charge nurse in the new medical drama The Pitt, she knew it would take more than just learning lines to bring authenticity to the role. In our recent conversation with LaNasa she opened up about the preparation process, the challenges of portraying a medical professional, and the emotional core she discovered while building the character.
To prepare, LaNasa didn’t just rely on the script. She spent time shadowing a charge nurse, immersing herself in the rhythm of a real hospital environment. “It wasn’t just about the medical jargon or where the instruments were,” she explained. “It was about watching how nurses talk to patients, how they carry themselves under stress, and the subtle ways they show compassion.”
This hands-on experience helped her understand the dual demands of technical precision and human connection that define nursing. It also gave her insight into Dana’s leadership role within the hospital hierarchy, a dynamic that plays a major part in The Pitt.
LaNasa emphasized that the training was just as much about tone and body language as it was about procedure. “You learn so much from the way a nurse approaches a patient, the calmness they bring into the room even when everything is chaotic,” she said. “That became a big part of how I wanted Dana to feel, someone who steadies the storm.”
The actress also highlighted how the cast worked together to build a believable world. The ensemble trained in medical procedures before filming, ensuring that every detail— rom handling equipment to communicating in crisis looked and felt authentic. “There’s a trust that comes from doing that kind of work together,” LaNasa noted. “You know the person beside you has your back.”
In describing the connectivity of the show she shared how “ultimately, it’s about people. Yes, there’s medicine and procedure, but what makes it compelling is the humanity, how these professionals connect with patients, and with each other, in moments that can change lives.”
Watch the full conversation below:
Q&A on the series The Pitt with actor Katherine LaNasa. Moderated by Mara Webster, In Creative Company.
