Rebecca Cibik is thrilled to join Akron Children’s as our newest certified nurse practitioner in Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, Portage.
From an early age, Rebecca Cibik always knew she wanted to work in medicine. Though not what you might think: Caring for animals as a veterinarian was what she envisioned for herself. She has always held a strong love for animals — so it’s no surprise she has 2 dogs at home — but her love for helping and nurturing people, specifically tiny humans, eventually won out.
That’s why Cibik is thrilled to join Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, Portage, as our newest certified nurse practitioner. She’s living her dream of treating kids with minor to acute medical conditions and educating families about health and wellness.
But, it wasn’t until her studies to advance her nursing career that Cibik realized she wanted to work with kids. It was her experience working in Urgent Care at Akron Children’s that Cibik credits for making the switch to children. From kids’ endless positivity to their contagious giggles and warm hearts, it was this very place she discovered firsthand how much she truly enjoys working with kids.
Why did you choose to come to Akron Children’s Hospital?
Prior to my Nurse Practitioner role, I worked for Akron Children’s Urgent Care as a Registered Nurse (RN). Coming from an adult hospital to Akron Children’s was a night-and-day difference — in a good way! I discovered how much I truly enjoy working with children. It has been wonderful working for a hospital that takes care of their employees, as well as having many opportunities to grow in your career.
Describe your role at Akron Children’s and what you hope to accomplish?
I am a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I currently work at Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics (ACHP), Portage, as a primary care provider. Once Quick Care opens at the new Portage site, I will be splitting my hours between that and ACHP. I hope to grow my career as a nurse practitioner with Akron Children’s.
What is your area of expertise and why did you choose it?
Primary Care Pediatrics is what I specialized in when becoming a nurse practitioner.
I truly enjoy pediatrics. I love working with kids and educating families. I look forward to building up my patient base to establish those relationships and get the chance to watch my patients grow.
Do you have a favorite instructor or mentor?
I had a wonderful preceptor that used to work at Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, Warren. She now works in Boardman at the Advocacy Center. Monique Malmer is very knowledgeable, amazing in her career and someone I think very highly of. I am very grateful to have had her as my preceptor to lead me where I am today.
Akron Children’s CNP Rebecca Cibik, who discovered the joy of working with kids here, has two of her own: Brooklyn (5) and Benjamin (3).
When did you decide to become a provider and why?
I knew during undergrad that after gaining some nursing experience, I would go back to school to become a nurse practitioner. It wasn’t until I started working for Akron Children’s that I knew I wanted to work with kids for the rest of my career.
What are you most looking forward to?
I look most forward to building up a patient base. I love the thought of growing patient and family relationships and getting to follow patients as they get older, while being a part of their health and well-being.
What medical innovations do you think will have the most impact in the next 5 – 10 years?
Since starting in March, I have been able to watch how COVID-19 has already made a big impact on medicine. During the peak of the shutdown, telehealth was widely used throughout the offices. In the next 5 to 10 years, I think telehealth will be more commonly used by many health-care organizations and private offices.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is doing what you love; to really enjoy and be proud of your career choice.
Where did you grow up?
I lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, until I was 11. My dad’s job moved us out to Lordstown, OH, where I lived until I graduated high school.
Who makes up your family, including pets and their names?
My family consists of my husband, Justin, my 2 children, Brooklyn (5 yrs) and Benjamin (3 yrs), and our two dogs: Willow and Pepper.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a veterinarian!
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Deep sea diving
What are your favorite podcasts, books, movies or TV shows?
I really enjoyed my most recent read, “Where the Crawdads Sing.”
What’s your favorite holiday?
Christmas!
Rebecca Cibik and her family take an annual trip to Outer Banks.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
We love to take an annual trip to Outer Banks and stay in Duck!
What are the small things that make your day better?
Hugs from my kiddos and a nice cup of coffee every morning is a must!
What was your first paying job?
One of my first jobs was working for Regal Cinemas.
