2017 Excellence in Long-Term Care Award recipient Sarah Spinney (right) stands with Coves Edge Director of Nursing Thelma Hannan.
Cove’s Edge certified nursing assistant and medication technician Sarah Spinney received the 2017 Excellence in Long-Term Care Award from the Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. The annual award is given to outstanding long-term care professionals throughout Maine who make a significant positive difference in the lives of residents.
“Sarah is very deserving of this recognition,” said Cove’s Edge Director of Nursing Thelma Hannan. “She is kind and gentle but still advocates for excellence. She will advocate for patients’ rights or improving culture or process. One may find Sarah giving medication, providing personal care, or just holding the hand of a patient who needs her. She is loved by all who meet her.”
Spinney works on the skilled rehabilitation unit at Cove’s Edge where she helps patients recover from illnesses and surgeries, such as planned knee or hip surgeries. Skilled rehabilitation nursing services help patients recover and return to the community as quickly as possible.
“I really enjoy the one-on-one time with patients,” said Spinney. “Having patience and a good sense of humor is really important. It can make a resident’s day a little brighter.”
Spinney began her health-care career 11 years ago when she earned her CNA certification at St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor. She worked at St. Andrews Village for eight years before joining the team at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta.
“I love the teamwork we have at Cove’s Edge,” Spinney said. “It is really a family here.”
When asked what she would say to someone interested in becoming a CNA, Spinney said, “Being a CNA can be very challenging, but it is very rewarding, which completely outweighs the challenges. You meet so many great people and it is really nice to be a part of this community.”
Spinney lives in Bristol with her husband, Allen. She enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with family.
Tim Berry, a CNA who also works at Cove’s Edge, received the award in 2016.
For more information about award-winning Cove’s Edge, call 563-4600. For more information about LincolnHealth employment opportunities or the CNA training program, go to lincolnhealthme.org.
