Politics & Government

Allegheny County Presents First Exemplary Employee Award to Kane Scott Nurse

The woman went above and beyond to help a patient with mental challenges be able to live independently.

Allegheny County officials have presented the first Exemplary Employee Award to Patricia Thompson, a registered nurse at the Scott Township Kane Regional Center. 

"Earlier this year, the county manager announced that he was re-instituting the Frank J. Lucchino Distinguished Service Award, and creating an Exemplary Employee Award to recognize exceptional achievements by a county employee," said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. "It is my distinct honor to award the first Exemplary Employee Award to Ms. Patricia Thompson whose work with a mentally-challenged patient allowed that woman to live independently and handle her own needs."

Thompson was nominated by the mother of the patient who benefitted from her care and support, in the category of innovation and creativity.

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In the nomination, the mother expressed that Thompson took her daughter under her wing and worked with her for five months while she was a patient at Kane for rehabilitation. Her daughter is now independent and can handle her own needs, which the mother said is all thanks to Patsy Thompson.

County Manager William D. McKain, CPA, noted that there were a large number of nominations and deciding who to give the first award to was a difficult decision: 

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“Our employees are really one of our greatest assets and that was proven by the many reasons why they were nominated for this award. Ultimately, we made this decision because Ms. Thompson went above and beyond what was expected of her and established a relationship with this patient which allowed that patient to move back out to the community independently.”

Thompson was surprised at her workplace Tuesday where it was announced that she was the winner of the first Exemplary Employee Award.

She was also presented with a joint county proclamation from the County Executive and County Council, and was also awarded an Allegheny County Parks family pool pass for the 2013 swimming season.  

The Exemplary Employee Award will be presented periodically throughout the year in recognition of exceptional achievements by a county employee or employee group. Nominations can be submitted in writing or online at http://www.alleghenycounty.us/manager/award.aspx


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