About Shelby Patterson Ever since she was a young child, Shelby Patterson dreamed of becoming a nurse practitioner. After witnessing the care her grandmother received from a NP after heart surgery, she knew this was her life’s calling. “I was always fascinated with the human body and learning what all we could do! I’ve always been a nurturer so nursing became my passion,” she said. Shelby earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from IU South Bend and her Master of Science in Nursing, (Family Nurse Practitioner Track) from Goshen College, and spent the past eight years at Beacon, getting real-life experience working in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. In her new role as a NP, she looks forward to the opportunity to care for and educate children and their families on how to improve their health. “I help patients with their health care needs by using my nursing knowledge and skills, but with more power to write prescriptions and determine care plan. It is truly the best of both worlds,” she added. Shelby hopes her patients learn that she truly cares for them and their health. “My job is to provide answers, comfort, and treatment tailored to their individual needs instead of just being another number in line,” she says. Shelby believes that listening to her patients to find out their greatest concerns is a vital part of her approach to care. “Patients have taught me that you must always keep an open mind and never assume,” she said. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life?  My Nana was the strongest lady I have ever met and she taught me to follow my dreams. Her stubbornness taught me determination, which has led me to where I am today. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  I worked at Hacienda as a hostess and I remember I always loved eating their chips. What is your favorite food? Movie? What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?  My favorite food is chicken tacos.  As far as movies go, anything not Dinosaurs or Spider-man! I hardly get time to watch anything without my kiddos picking.  Best subjects: anatomy and science.  Worst Subjects: government and economics. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests?  Being a great mommy to my sons, Jace and Jackson, and wife to my husband, Jake. Do you have pets?  I have two dogs – Baxter and Molly. What is something most people don’t know about you?  I am named after my dad’s Shelby Mustang.