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Congratulations to UVA Heath University Medical Center 2024 Nursing Assistants of the Year — honored for their dedication to the healthcare profession and setting an inspiring example of professional practice and collaboration for team members.

The four recipients were announced at the 16th annual awards ceremony hosted by the Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) at Pinn Hall Conference Center's main auditorium in Charlottesville during Nursing Assistant Week. (See the honorees below, followed by a photo gallery of the event.)

"Never discount your contributions and the great impact you have on our patients' health journey," declared NPGO President Amy Jordan, BSN, RN, PMGT-BC, sharing that she'd started her career as a nursing assistant.

"You're the heart and soul of our healthcare system, often going above and beyond to ensure the well-being of those in your care," praised UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC.

NPGO President-Elect Danita Massie, MSN, RN, CNL, a former medical assistant, thanked nominees and recipients for the "unique roles you fill, caring for our patients."

Nikki McLamb, BSN, RN, CCRN, TCRN offered words of appreciation, followed by 2023 award recipients Kamden Pleasants, Certified Nurse Assistant, Perianesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and Jasmine Harris, Medical Assistant, Dermatology Clinic — each marking a decade at UVA Health — announcing the 2024 award recipients:

Certified Medical Assistant of the Year: Jennifer Perkins, Digestive Health Center
Nominated by Katherine Craig

"She is always willing to help out and often knows what providers are thinking before even seeing the patient! Jen goes above and beyond to streamline our processes and improve patient outcomes. UVA Health is a culturally diverse hospital and Jen ensures patients and families fully understand what is going on and that their needs are addressed. Patients often tell providers and RN care coordinators how kind, nice, wonderful, caring, and knowledgeable she is. A provider commented, 'Her collaborative spirit and willingness to assist others create a positive and enriching work environment, making UVA Health a truly exceptional place to practice medicine!'"

Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year: Riley Dobmeier, Mother/Baby
Nominated by: Karin Brown, Emily Barranco, Emmie Summy, and Sarah Schwagerl

"She is by far one of our more skilled employees when it comes to assisting with lactation, and, as nurses, we are thankful to work with Riley, knowing that we have this team member who is so dependable when mothers are in need. Riley is one of the most dependable assistive personnel on our unit. She works diligently to make sure each new hire receives training that is most helpful to their learning style. She is so knowledgeable about our unit and its intricacies; it is so great having her on shift! You know when Riley is on that you will have a good night." 

Specialty Technician of the Year: Lou Molinaro, UVA Health Orthopedic Center OR
Nominated by Megan McDonald and Christa Mazur

"Lou treats every patient like a VIP and stays on top of the flow of the day and the cases. He is present in every single case and every single turnover. As soon as patients come through the door of the Operating Room, Lou is the first person they meet. He is always happy, friendly, and kind. He has the gift of being able to connect with people. Lou stands by the side of each patient undergoing a procedure to receive spinal anesthesia. He always offers a friendly hand to hold and supports the patients emotionally through empathy, distraction, banter, and calmness. Lou has taken on the role of SST as if he were studying how to do it for years. He knows our surgeries and the intricacies of every piece of surgical positioning equipment we use. Lou asked ... why did we move two carts in, out, and around the ORs for arthroscopy case when it looked like all the equipment could fit on one cart? He saw an opportunity for change and improvement ... and pushed for this through communication and collaboration."

Patient Care Technician of the Year: Teashayl Jefferson, 4 Central Medicine
Nominated by: Jaimee Layne

"Every time I come into work and she is on the schedule, I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the patients on our unit are in good hands. The knowledge that Teashayl has for her profession is beyond that of which is expected. She is able to complete her daily tasks through prioritizing patient safety. Teashayl’s leadership on the unit is without a doubt one to strive for. She's tasked with being the primary preceptor for many of our new CNA/PCTs throughout their orientation. Teashayl has helped instill her knowledge, skills, and drive for the profession into other team members, which only helps us to grow as a unit. She truly wants to better each profession that will ultimately have a positive impact on patients’ time in the hospital."

See all 40 nominees.

The ceremony was followed by a reception to celebrate the awardees, nominees, and their accomplishments!

See the photo gallery: