NCHCFA Annual Awards Program

Without question, exceptional people work inside every skilled nursing facility. To celebrate these individuals, NCHCFA developed an annual awards program to acknowledge front-line unlicensed personnel who have exemplified outstanding achievements in the long-term care profession. Winners are honored at the Annual Awards Gala during the Annual Convention & Expo. Individuals are nominated by their colleagues for these special awards.

The annual nomination period is from August to October each year.

NCHCFA Nurse Aide of the Year 
Selected from each of North Carolina’s five geographic districts, the Nurse Aide of the Year is nominated for demonstrating outstanding care to their residents.

J.R. Garrett Direct Care Worker of the Year Award
Of the five Nurse Aide of the Year winners, one individual is further recognized as the J.R. Garrett Direct Care Worker of the Year Award for the exceptional service they provide to North Carolina’s long-term care residents.

Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award
One recipient is selected from a non-nursing discipline to be recognized as the Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award winner.

Nominations for 2024 closed on October 20, 2023.

Congratulations to the 2024 Award Winners!

These individuals will be recognized during the annual awards reception and gala on February 19 during our annual Convention & Expo in Greensboro, NC. One of the five Nurse Aide of the Year winners will also be recognized as the J.R. Garrett Direct Care Worker of the Year Award at the award gala.

District I, Kay Austin, Skyland Care Center

District II, Ella JoAn Wells, Abernethy Laurels

District III, Justin Boyd, Trinity Glen – Lutheran Services Carolinas

District IV, Rita Lawson, Premier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

District V, Geraldine Hayes, Franklin Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award, Steven Waddell, Chatham Nursing & Rehabilitation 

2023 Winners 

District I, Doris Stamey, Silver Bluff Village

District II, Sandra Money, Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehab

District III, Sandra Altamirano, Trinity Glen

District IV, Heather Blue AND J.R. Garrett Direct Care Worker of the Year Award, Peak Resources Pinelake

District V, Antoinette Boose, Franklin Oaks Nursing & Rehab

Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award, Willette Parker, Clapp’s Nursing Center

Past Winners (2021, recognized in 2022)

District I, Kimberly Cunningham, Graham Healthcare and Rehab

District II, Marcia Posey, Liberty Commons / Yadkin County

District III, Nora Mallet, Clapp’s Nursing Center

District IV, Tracie Moore, Riverpoint Crest Nursing and Rehab

District V, Angela Evans, Franklin Oaks Nursing & Rehab

Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award AND J.R. Garrett Direct Care Worker of the Year Award, Dorothy Teasley, Liberty Commons, Franklin County