NCHCFA Annual Awards Program - Nurse Aide of the Year

Purpose: Celebrate those who provide exceptional care to North Carolina's long-term care residents through peer nominations.

Geographic Scope: North Carolina (5 geographic districts)

Award Categories:

• Nurse Aide of the Year (selected from each of North Carolina's 5 districts - 5 total awards annually)
• Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award (1 award for non-nursing discipline)

Nurse Aide of the Year

• Selection: One recipient selected from each of the state's five geographic districts
• Criteria: Nominated for demonstrating outstanding care to residents
• Recognition: Typically honored at the annual NCHCFA Convention & Expo in Greensboro

Nomination Criteria

• Only unlicensed personnel may be nominated
• Nominee must have a minimum of 5 years of service in the long-term care profession
• Only one staff member per discipline may be nominated from a facility
• Nominee must not be a previous winner
• Preference: If selected as a winner, a representative from the facility should plan to attend the awards ceremony, typically held during the annual NCHCFA Convention & Expo in Greensboro

Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award

• Selection: One recipient selected from a non-nursing discipline
• Criteria: Same as above (minimum 5 years service, unlicensed personnel, not a previous winner)
• Recognition: Honored alongside Nurse Aide of the Year winners

Application Timeline

• Nominations accepted annually beginning August 1
• Nominations close on or around November 4 each year
• Winners announced in early spring
• Awards ceremony held during annual NCHCFA Convention & Expo (typically in Greensboro)

Past Winners

Awards have been given since at least 2015, with recipients honored across the five districts.

Funder Information

Additional Resources:

• Past Winner Essay Examples available (Nominating Individual's Essay & Nominee's Essay)

Application Process

Step 1: Obtain Nomination Form

• Contact NCHCFA or visit their website for nomination form
• Nominations accepted beginning August 1 annually

Step 2: Prepare Nomination

• Nominator completes nomination essay explaining why the nominee deserves recognition
• Essay should demonstrate how nominee provides outstanding care to residents
• Reference past winner essays as examples for format and content

Step 3: Submit Nomination

• Submit completed nomination form and essay
• Deadline: On or around November 4 annually
• Nominations must come from colleagues at the nominee's facility

Required Information:

1. Nominee's name and facility information
2. Nominator's name, title, and contact information
3. Nomination essay describing:
   • How nominee demonstrates outstanding care to residents
   • Examples of exceptional service
   • Impact on residents, families, and staff
   • Nominee's qualifications and experience
4. Confirmation that nominee meets eligibility requirements:
   • Unlicensed personnel only
   • Minimum 5 years service in long-term care profession
   • Not a previous award winner
   • Only one nomination per discipline per facility

Step 4: Awards Ceremony

• If selected as winner, facility should plan to send representative to attend awards ceremony
• Ceremony typically held during annual NCHCFA Convention & Expo in Greensboro

Resources:

• Past Winner Essay Examples available to guide application preparation