Nursing Assistant Awards

• Patient Care Technician of the Year
• Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year
• Certified Medical Assistant of the Year
• Specialty Technician of the Year

Nominees for this award should demonstrate the following:

• KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Demonstrates exceptional acts of skill that go beyond the expected behaviors associated with providing competent and compassionate patient care. These skills include the communication between team members, patients, and families, as well as the safety and rehabilitation of our patients.
• LEADERSHIP: Demonstrates forward-thinking that promotes growth and innovation within their work area. Successfully advocates for resources to support elements of relationship based care and actively partners with patients and families to assess needs related to the patient experience, and employs problem-solving techniques to influence change within the organization. They are a leader on the unit and are always looking for ways to better their practice as part of the care team.
• EMPATHY AND INTERACTION: Nominee demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and the ability to provide care to patients with diverse values, beliefs and behaviors.  Applies available resources to meet patients’ social, cultural, and linguistic needs. This team member is kind, compassionate, and always ensures our patients and their family are involved and engaged in their own care.
• TEAMWORK: This nominee is able to lead by example and excels in a group setting. They are able to provide constant, effective, outcome-based care to each of their patients, and is able to jump-in and assist at all times. They are seen as a team player and are an asset to the care team. 

Process:

Nominations are accepted during a four week period beginning mid-April each year. Nomination exemplars must have a minimum of 300 words and include specific examples in order to be eligible. Nominations are de-identified and assigned by category to nursing partners for review. The selection committee scores nominations ranking them based on evidence provided within the nomination exemplar.

Eligibility:

Any Medical Center employee or UVA School of Nursing student may nominate a CMA, CNA, PCT, or Specialty Tech for this award. Nominees must have been employed with UVA Health University Medical Center for at least six months, and the nominee’s manager/direct supervisor must support the nomination.

Award recipients for 2026 will be announced at the annual award ceremony during the National Nursing Assistant Week in June.

The 2026 award nomination cycle will open Thursday April 9th and close Thursday May 7th at 2359. 

*CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION*