Diane Merkle earned her BSN from the Pennsylvania State University in 1984. While working as a staff nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, she met an energetic, spirited WOCN mentor. This led to Diane attending the Harrisburg Hospital School for Enterostomal Therapy. Afterward, Diane also earned a degree in Health Services Administration from Iona College in 1992. Diane has been a practicing WOCN for over 30 years and earned her APRN in Gerontology from Yale University in 2003 to compliment her practice. Diane’s broad professional history contributes to her unique worldview. Her practice has included neonates to elders, inpatient and outpatient care, home care, hospice care, skilled facilities, managed insurance consulting, a surgical supplier, and a medical manufacturer. During her career as a WOCN she has had the opportunity to work with many colleagues who she attributes to shaping her knowledge and expertise.
Diane has an interest in pain, depression and the quality of life of those experiencing wounds and researched these subjects during her doctoral journey. She earned a PhD in Nursing in 2012 from the University of Connecticut.
Diane currently practices at the Bridgeport Hospital Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine, where she works with a multidisciplinary team.
Diane enjoys reading, traveling, outdoor sports, and is an avid Nittany Lions fan.