Diana Bitritto

I've been a nurse since 1999. I started as an LPN, working a full-time day job while attending classes at night. In 2008 I became a registered nurse, obtaining my associate's degree from Excelsior College while working full time on the 3-11 shift. I recently enrolled in Excelsior's online BSN program. My goal is to receive my BSN in 2 years. I have nearly 12 years of nursing experience, mostly in subacute and long-term. I've worked with patients presenting with a wide variety of medical conditions, from total hip and knee replacements to hospice patients. My nursing skills include IV medications, wound care including wound VAC, tube feedings, care planning, and the fine art of communicating with patients to reduce their stress and make them feel comfortable in any health care setting. I also speak Spanish, which is a plus where I live, with a large Spanish-speaking population. I firmly believe that the secret to good nursing care is simply to meet the patients' needs in an efficient and respectful manner. I believe just as firmly that humor is an important therapeutic modality -- if used judiciously. Right now I am doing volunteer work at a free clinic for uninsured adults who do not qualify for government coverage. In this capacity I greet the patients and do a quick assessment, brief the physician or nurse practitioner about the patient, follow up with the patient on the doctor's orders, and do computerized charting. I like working there but I am looking for employment, full-time, part-time, or per diem. I am licensed as an RN in New Jersey and New York. I am a member of the American Nurses Association - New Jersey State Nurses Association and American Mensa, Ltd. My interests include bicycling, history, science, and classical music. I am looking forward to hearing from my fellow nurses, bicyclists, history buffs, science buffs, and classical music lovers.