Node.js is javascript, so if you feel right with javascript you should be able to use it. You can find so many tutorial online etc. So I think the best bet it's just, open the text editor and play with. Create a simple api with it. Learn by doing :)
No I mean if you know for loop, scope, closures and promises. + Now a bit on request and response work you should jump right in and create a simple api.
as far as request n response is concern I have worked on AJAX ....like u know live search, XML request and some more....so u think..this much will work?