By Dawn Cochran
Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, in Pagosa Springs, has announced that Certified Nursing Assistant Ray Dunlap, a long-time member of its staff, is a finalist for the Colorado Health Care Association’s “Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year” award.
Dunlap, who is also a Certified Medication Aid, has been working at Pine Ridge since 2015. As part of the Colorado Health Care Association’s 2024 Spotlight on Excellence Awards, Ray is one of six finalists in Colorado.
According to Estrella Montoya, Director of Nursing at Pine Ridge, “Ray is unique in the way he approaches residents. He is thoughtful and caring with every task he does. He makes time to speak with residents about their needs and thoughts, all while providing the care they need. Ray provides consistent and compassionate care that residents appreciate and value.
In a statement describing the awards program, the CHCA noted that it presents the award “to recognize excellence throughout the long-term care profession within our communities.” The association, it said, “is committed to showing appreciation to the deserving, extraordinary individuals and their efforts to commit themselves to the care of their residents and community.” The winner of the contest will be announced on September 14 during the Spotlight on Excellence Finalists Reception and Awards Gala.
A resident of Pagosa Springs, the CNA and his wife Victoria have two daughters. Outside of work, Dunlap enjoys many outdoor activities. He loves fishing in the Colorado River on his days off and has hiked all of Colorado’s “14ers” – the highest mountains in the state, all above 14,000 feet in elevation.
About Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is a 60-bed skilled nursing facility in Pagosa Springs, Colo., providing long-term care, short-term care, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, rehab-to-home, speech therapy, hospice care, respite care, and services for Veterans. Pine Ridge is hiring: www.pineridgerhc.com/join-our-team.
For further information, please call 970-731-4330 or visit www.pineridgerhc.com.
Dawn Cochran writes for the Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center.