Quinnipiac University
Erica Grace Rizzo

Clinical Assistant Professor Nursing

Co-Director, Career and Alumni Development

Dr. Erica Rizzo, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing at Quinnipiac University. She has been a full-time faculty member there since 2022, primarily teaching medical-surgical nursing to traditional and accelerated students in the BSN program. Dr. Rizzo's journey in nursing began in 2004 as a registered nurse in Connecticut, where she worked in various medical-surgical clinical roles. Her passion for education led her to transition to a nurse educator in 2014, bringing a wealth of practical experience to her teaching.

Dr. Rizzo's academic journey is marked by significant achievements. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Healthcare Systems Leadership and a Master of Science in Nursing Education. Her commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by her certification as a Nurse Educator by the National League for Nursing. In recognition of her outstanding teaching, Dr. Rizzo was honored with the Quinnipiac University School of Nursing's inaugural Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educator in May 2024.

Dr. Rizzo's commitment to nursing education extends beyond the classroom. She holds an academic leadership position as co-director of career and alumni development, overseeing the career development operations for the school of nursing. Dr. Rizzo is a member of several university committees, including the Career Development Council, the Lifelong Learning Advisory Council, and the Academic Integrity Faculty Senate Committee. Within the nursing school, she also serves as a Nurse Planner for the school's continuing education provider unit, offering valuable continuing education credit through the Connecticut Nurses Association.

Education

  • BS, Southern Connecticut State University
  • MS, Sacred Heart University
  • DNP, Chamberlain University

Areas of Expertise

  • Nursing Education
  • Medical/Surgical Nursing
  • Evidence-Based Practice

Organization

  • Nursing

Mail Drop

  • NH-HSC

Selected Publications

Nearpod: An Effective Engagement Tool in Nursing Education: A Pilot Quality Improvement Project

Rizzo, E.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, NurseTim Nuts & Bolts Conference for Nurse EducatorsAugust (2023)

Effect of a Clinical Competency Bootcamp on New Graduate Registered Nurses’ Transition to Practice and Work Readiness

Leary, C., Palozie, J., Elwell, J. & Rizzo, E.

Hartford, Connecticut, 27th Annual Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Conference - CT Research AllianceOctober (2023)

Improving NCLEX-RN Success Through Innovative Remediation and Review Strategies

Bradley, C. & Rizzo, E.

Lake Buena Vista, Florida, American Association of Colleges of Nursing - Transform 2023November-December (2023)

Professional Designation