Christine Ritzo, RN, BSN
Grew up: San Mateo
Joined Mission Hospice: Spring 2014
What led me to Mission Hospice: I was a hospital nurse, then a home health visiting nurse and middle manager for the first 27 years of my nursing career. Once our children were out of college, I had the opportunity to look at other career options. When Mission Hospice offered me the chance to get back to working directly with patients, families, and physicians, educating about palliative care options available, I was thrilled!
Mission Hospice in three words: Full of life
Passions: Family, long walks, and travel
Reading: I love historical fiction, especially about WWII. I just finished Lilac Girls and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society.
Desert island album: Going back to the 80s, I might say Billy Joel’s Innocent Man or Piano Man. These days, country artists are who I add to my playlist most.
Favorite foods: Sugar and chocolate are my downfall!
Little known fact: I’m naturally pretty shy
Favorite movies: Old school: Sound of Music and Holiday Inn. Newer: Mamma Mia! and La La Land – fun and happy.
On my bucket list: Exploring more of the U.S. and the world, preferably with one or more of my family in tow!
More about me: My favorite part of my work day is sitting with patients, their families, or doctors/community groups and educating them about how hospice can support them. Also, figuring out a patient’s goals are for their life and how to achieve them.