Rita Secola

Rita Secola, PhD, RN, CPON, NEA-BC, FAAN, is an Associate Adjunct Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Nursing. She currently serves as the Clinical Services Director at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Her expertise lies in pediatric oncology nursing, infection control, and clinical research. Dr. Secola holds advanced credentials including certification in pediatric oncology nursing (CPON) and recognition as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN).

Education:

• PhD in Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles (2011)
• MSN in Parent/Child Nursing with a Pediatric Oncology specialty, University of Pittsburgh (1988)
• BSN in Nursing, Carlow College, Pittsburgh (1983)

Research Interests:

Dr. Secola’s work focuses on improving outcomes for pediatric oncology patients through evidence-based practices in infection control, targeted therapies, and nursing education. She has pioneered studies on dinutuximab therapy for neuroblastoma, central venous catheter infection reduction, and tumor lysis syndrome management. Her research emphasizes translating clinical findings into actionable nursing protocols.

Key Awards:

• 2013 FAAN Inductee
• 2010 APHON Casey Hooke Leadership Award
• 2008 Kathy Ruccione Founder’s Award
• Multiple grants including NIH HRSA and American Cancer Society funding

Grants & Contributions:

Secola has secured over $96,000 in grants for doctoral research (2009–2010) and led initiatives to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections in pediatric oncology units. Her work spans clinical trials, educational booklets for patients, and professional leadership roles.

Labs & Teams:

Active collaborator in multidisciplinary teams at UCLA and Children’s Hospital LA, focusing on pediatric oncology care innovation and nursing education programs.