Dr. Rita Trofino DNP, MNEd, RN

Education

• DNP, Carlow University
• MNEd, University of Pittsburgh
• BSN, University of Pittsburgh

Professional Certifications:  RN; AHA CPR Instructor; First Aid Instructor
 

Biography

Dr. Trofino has been a faculty member for over 20 years.  She was an original faculty member when the program started in 1981. Dr. Trofino has administrative responsibilities as the Associate Dean, School of Health Science & Education and as the Nursing Department Chair. She was instrumental in starting all seven of the nursing programs: BSN; RN-BSN; RN-BSN-MSN; Second Degree/Accelerated BSN; MSN L/E; MSN FNP; Post Master FNP. She is responsible for overseeing the administration of the seven nursing programs, as well as teaching BSN courses that focus on cultural competencies, nursing assessment, and senior practicum. She also teaches graduate courses in the Masters of Health Science Program. 

Dr. Trofino’s background in burn nursing, pediatric nursing, and nursing administration provided a solid foundation for teaching these courses.  Her research interests include burn nursing, disaster nursing, interprofessional education, and professional standards. She was part of the interprofessional team that received a national award from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the Innovation in Nursing Award. Dr. Trofino is an Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation site visitor and has assisted in accreditation site visits for over 20 nursing programs across the country. She has published a book and written numerous chapters for nursing textbooks, along with her research articles. She is a reviewer for the Journal of Professional Nursing.

Courses Taught

• Principles of Cross Cultural Healthcare
• Nursing Assessment lab
• Management/Leadership Practicum
• Public Health  Perspective of Chronic Disease
• Strategies in Health Policy
• Clinical Residency Project 
• Principles of Cross Cultural Healthcare
• Nursing Assessment lab
• Management/Leadership Practicum
• Public Health  Perspective of Chronic Disease
• Strategies in Health Policy
• Clinical Residency Project