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