Welcome to my ePortfolio! My name is Robert "Bobby" Demofonte. I was born on April 23rd, 1997 to my loving parents, Robert and Sandra "Sunny" Demofonte. I have two siblings: my older brother Andrew, and my younger sister Gillian. I have two Shih-Tzus: Maxine and Macy. My extended family lives locally in both Pennsylvania, and Ohio. We are all extremely close, and I would not have made it to where I am today without their unwavering support.
I was born and raised in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania and attended the Sharpsville Area School District. The school district ranked highly in the state of Pennsylvania in academics, as well as being well-known for their athletic programs. Given this reputation, I was among a very competitive atmosphere. Aside from my academics, I was a member of my high school's football team, the Sharpsville "Blue Devils". Outside of school, I was heavily involved in volunteer work for my church, and for the local hospital.
If I were to tell the younger version of myself that I was going to be a nurse, I would not believe it. My ambition to pursue a career in health care began when I was in eighth grade. As a requirement for graduation, we were to accumulate hours of community service. My mother, knowing I wanted to go into health care, showed me the newspaper, "Teen Volunteers wanted at Sharon Regional Health System"; I applied promptly and began volunteering every week after school. I started in the Heart Center, then transitioned to the Outpatient Surgery Unit. I enjoyed my time on the Outpatient Surgery Unit because the nurses made me feel like part of their team. I volunteered for Sharon Regional for four years.
When I was in my junior year, I began job shadowing, as well as college searching. I job shadowed a physical therapist, and a physician's assistant for an orthopedic surgeon. Looking at the education programs offered by numerous schools, I realized that these programs were highly competitive. What ultimately drew me to the profession of nursing was the day I became the patient. I underwent knee surgery and was seen by the very same nurses I had volunteered with. As a young patient, being in the hospital and undergoing surgery provokes major anxiety, but the nurses completely eliminated my anxiety. That is when I knew that I wanted to do the same for another person.
My first job was as a dietary aide at Sharon Regional Medical Center. I wanted a job where I could be at the hospital, as well as make money before going to college. I spent a total of three years in the kitchen at Sharon Regional. During my time, I learned about the various diets prescribed for the various patient populations. After my first year of nursing school, I attained my first job as a nursing assistant at Sharon Regional on 6 West - Medical/Surgical. I sharpened, not only my nursing skills, but my communication skills with patients, family, and other members of the health care team. I, then, transitioned to a new position within UPMC Horizon as an Advanced Patient Care Technician (APCT) in the emergency department. I sharpened many more skills, and discovered my love to work in emergency nursing.
I have many other hobbies that I enjoy. As a future nurse, it is important for me to set a good example for those I interact with. I enjoy lifting weights and being active. I enjoy being outdoors and fishing the many bodies of water in the area. I am highly involved in many activities for my church and community. I am a member of Saint Bartholomew's Church Holy Name Society. We perform various yearly projects such as our annual homemade spaghetti dinner, monthly hospitality, food pantry collection and distribution, and attend faith formation retreats. I am also a mass commentator, and usher for the church as well.
If I were to tell the younger version of myself that I was going to be a nurse, I would not believe it. My ambition to pursue a career in health care began when I was in eighth grade. As a requirement for graduation, we were to accumulate hours of community service. My mother, knowing I wanted to go into health care, showed me the newspaper, "Teen Volunteers wanted at Sharon Regional Health System"; I applied promptly and began volunteering every week after school. I started in the Heart Center, then transitioned to the Outpatient Surgery Unit. I enjoyed my time on the Outpatient Surgery Unit because the nurses made me feel like part of their team. I volunteered for Sharon Regional for four years.
When I was in my junior year, I began job shadowing, as well as college searching. I job shadowed a physical therapist, and a physician's assistant for an orthopedic surgeon. Looking at the education programs offered by numerous schools, I realized that these programs were highly competitive. What ultimately drew me to the profession of nursing was the day I became the patient. I underwent knee surgery and was seen by the very same nurses I had volunteered with. As a young patient, being in the hospital and undergoing surgery provokes major anxiety, but the nurses completely eliminated my anxiety. That is when I knew that I wanted to do the same for another person.
My first job was as a dietary aide at Sharon Regional Medical Center. I wanted a job where I could be at the hospital, as well as make money before going to college. I spent a total of three years in the kitchen at Sharon Regional. During my time, I learned about the various diets prescribed for the various patient populations. After my first year of nursing school, I attained my first job as a nursing assistant at Sharon Regional on 6 West - Medical/Surgical. I sharpened, not only my nursing skills, but my communication skills with patients, family, and other members of the health care team. I, then, transitioned to a new position within UPMC Horizon as an Advanced Patient Care Technician (APCT) in the emergency department. I sharpened many more skills, and discovered my love to work in emergency nursing.
I have many other hobbies that I enjoy. As a future nurse, it is important for me to set a good example for those I interact with. I enjoy lifting weights and being active. I enjoy being outdoors and fishing the many bodies of water in the area. I am highly involved in many activities for my church and community. I am a member of Saint Bartholomew's Church Holy Name Society. We perform various yearly projects such as our annual homemade spaghetti dinner, monthly hospitality, food pantry collection and distribution, and attend faith formation retreats. I am also a mass commentator, and usher for the church as well.