While Rebecca Knabenshue, MSN, ACNP-BC, doesn’t come from a long line of medical professionals, she has a strong reason for pursuing a career in medicine. “My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer when I was a junior in high school. I wanted to help others who may feel as helpless as I did at that time.”
In her neurosurgery role, Rebecca does just that. “I wanted to take care of patients in a more acute and critical setting, helping people in some of their worst moments,” she says. “I work with physicians in an acute and/or critical care setting providing care to patients. I will always be my patients’ advocate and cheerleader. I will always treat them as my loved one.”
Rebecca attended nursing school at Indiana University South Bend. She then pursued her Master of Science in Adult Acute Care Nursing at Loyola University in Chicago. Since applying to nursing school, Rebecca has been part of the Beacon family. In her own words, “Beacon is home.”
Rebecca’s practice philosophy stems from her experiences. “Focus on one’s quality of life and how you can impact that,” she says. “I strive to hold myself and others to a high professional standard.”
And because of her deep connection with her patients, Rebecca has been impacted, too. “My patients have touched my life more than I can ever explain.”
In Her Own Words Who is the most influential person/role model in your life? My sister because she faced so many odds in her life but has overcome them all, in addition to helping me overcome my own.
What is your favorite food? Movie? Pasta, hands down! The Dark Knight (anything Batman!).
What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subject was math. I took Calculus for fun senior year! Oddly enough, my worst subject was science, especially chemistry.
If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Abraham Lincoln – the adversity and challenges he faced for what he believed in is beyond admirable.
In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? Being the best mother to my two-year-old daughter.
Primary Specialty
Neurosurgeon
GenderFemale
CertificationAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) - 2020, Loyola University Chicago - 2020, Indiana University South Bend - 2014