Patty Kerr Named PCA of the Year at PH DuBois

Patty Kerr has been named 2016 Patient Care Assistant of the Year at Penn Highlands DuBois.

Kerr works in the Maternal and Child Center where she does vitals on moms and babies, answers call bells and works directly with the nurses to help insure that patients get the best care possible. She also stocks the rooms to make sure that they are ready at any time for a delivery. She also is the secretary at the front desk when needed.

“Patty greets everyone with a warm welcoming smile. She is very compassionate and caring towards others. She often goes above and beyond to help our patients and co-workers,” Sharon Shattenberg RN, BSN, obstetrics director at PH DuBois, said.

Kerr came to PH DuBois after working for 21 years for Dr. Michael Vancheri, a Punxsutawney and DuBois orthodontist, as a secretary. “When I turned 50, I decided that I wanted to do something that would give direct care and make a difference,” Kerr said. “My father had recently died of an inoperable brain tumor, which affected his personality. I saw that Christ the King Manor needed aides, so I applied.”

“After CNA training,” she continued, “I asked to work in Memory Support and worked there for two years taking care of Alzheimer's residents. I then saw an opportunity that the hospital had an opening in Maternity. I will be there three years this fall. I feel very blessed that I have had the opportunity to work with such amazing nurses in this department.”

In addition to her CNA Certification, Kerr started classes at Lock Haven University last fall in order to become a registered nurse.

“Little did I know that when I began as a PCA almost three years ago in the Maternity Department how blessed I would be. The nurses in this department have encouraged and inspired me to return to school and become an RN,” Kerr said.

A native and current resident of Punxsutawney, she and her husband, Ted Kerr Jr., have five children and nine grandchildren that they love spending time with. She also spends her time with her mother and is her primary caregiver.