Staff Spotlight, Sarah Fincham

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Sarah Fincham, DNP, APRN, NP-C. I am a Family Nurse Practitioner/Medical Provider based in Spokane, Washington. I’ve been with The Emily Program since November 2018—so just over three years.

I actually have sort of a dual career. Besides my clinical practice here at The Emily Program, I am a Clinical Associate Professor at Washington State University (WSU). I teach in the Family Nurse Practitioner – Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

What motivates you to show up for work each day?

I love working with our clients and supporting them in their journey toward recovery.

What have our clients taught you?

Our clients are a constant reminder to me that we are all unique yet similar, and they inspire me with the bravery they show each day. We all have special gifts and we all face challenges in life. I admire our clients’ hard work and I think of them sometimes when I face challenges in my own life; their bravery in the face of life’s challenges inspires me. 

What one thing do you wish everyone knew about eating disorders? 

I wish everyone knew how very common eating disorders can be. One of my goals is to try to teach my family nurse practitioner students at WSU how to recognize eating disorders in their future clients and how to refer them to treatment. In my own nurse practitioner education years ago, I received very little training on eating disorders. I want to help make sure that upcoming healthcare providers are aware of the symptoms and signs of eating disorders and how to screen for EDs in their patients.

If you could do another job just for a day, what would it be?

A news reporter or journalist. 

Strangest job you’ve ever had?

I worked at Moraine View State Park in Central Illinois for two summers in college. I had to clean the bathroom outhouses around the park and do garbage pick in the campground many days. It was kind of stinky at times, but I loved working outdoors all summer long and I found the manual labor aspect of it enjoyable and satisfying for the most part! 

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

I love to hang out with my three kids and husband. Some of our favorite things are hiking, skiing, playing board games (actually, I may be the only one who loves this, but they are mostly good sports about it!), and traveling to new places. All of my husband’s and my extended family are spread out across the country, so we spend a lot of time visiting family members in other states, which we enjoy.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’m from a tiny rural farming town in the Midwest—my hometown had a population of only 800 people!

What are you most enjoying about the new year?

I love the figurative new beginning that the new year offers to each of us. It feels good to mentally start over and move forward with new/refreshed goals each year.