Employee Achievements

Gena Reed, Going Above and Beyond Everyday

Gena Reed has been a CNA for 8 years, 4 of them at Winship Green Nursing Center. Can you imagine what it is like to have 16 grandmothers? Abigail, Gena’s daughter, can, and she is truly the luckiest little girl in the world. Gena has served the needs of the sick and the frail for 8 years and is the first to admit that caregiving is very demanding, but she would not want to do any other job. She opened her heart and family to the residents, allowing them the joy of sharing in her pregnancy and the progress of her newest addition, her little girl. Gena has recognized how much her residents miss their own children and their grandchildren and feels that the trips that Abigail makes to Winship Green are worth all the smiles and delight she gets to see in her residents faces. Conversations with Abigail quickly lead to reminiscing about days gone by and opportunities to delight in what little Abigail is doing, with each grandmother believing that she took her first steps to them. Today is better for the residents now that Gena has been in. It was her day off, but she still came in to see her residents and share her children with them.

Gena has recently been award the Maine Healthcare Association’s Caregiving Award, the center Above and Beyond Award, the District Above and Beyond Award and, now, the East Regional Above and Beyond Award. In his presentation of the award, Regional Director of Human Resources Wayne Mackey stated, “Gena is 1 in 10,000 employees that will be awarded this award.” What a great accomplishment!

The following letter from the facility explains why Gena was awarded these awards:

“Gena is a great role model to her peers and in honoring the work caregivers do in long term care. Examples of this include her involvement with community events. She volunteered on her weekend off to plant flowers for the local Senior Center. She has participated in fundraising events at Bowdoin College to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. She attends the funerals of any of her residents who pass away, and she celebrates the birthdays of all her residents.  Gena loves her primary care unit but can be found answering a call bell or providing directions to a family in need on any unit. She alerts her supervisors and managers of any issues or concerns with her residents and families. She is respectful of staff in all departments, assuring they have the equipment to do their job. She recognizes that all jobs in the home lead back to the happiness of her residents. An example of this: if Gena knew the beautician needed towels, she would make sure she gets them. Gena knows all the residents love having their hair done.”

Gena was also nominated by a family member of one of the residents under Gena’s care. In this letter, the family member stated, “Gena is attentive and thoughtful in her care of every person and is a strong advocate for each individual. Her opinions are respected by the nursing staff and appreciated by the residents and their families. Gena is always looking for ways to improve care and brighten the lives of men and women in her charge. When my mother first moved into a room on the long-term care hallway, she was disoriented and distressed. In the kaleidoscope of new staff and different faces, Gena was the first CNA my mother came to know. Her warm smile and relaxed manner became immediately familiar and recognizable.”

In Gena’s short “thank you” speech when receiving the award, she recognized her grandmother as a role model. Gena’s grandmother was able to attend the ceremony. She also recognized her co-workers and dedicated her award to the residents at Winship Green.

Gena was awarded the Maine Health Care Caregiver Award in October of this year as one of only 14 caregivers in the state awarded this award. She was also awarded the Winship Green Above and Beyond Award and the ME/ NH District Above and Beyond Award this year as process steps to get the East Regional Above and Beyond Award.