UNC Health Chatham recognizes Jeily Espinal as Assistive Personnel of the Year

UNC Health Chatham recognized Jeily Espinal, a certified nursing assistant in the medical-surgical unit, during Nurses Week with the 2026 Assistive Personnel of the Year award. The honor recognizes nursing assistants, surgical technicians and patient sitters who make an extraordinary difference in patient care and is open to nursing assistants, surgical technicians and patient sitters. Eric Wolak, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer, presented the award on the medical-surgical unit in front of Espinal's colleagues.

“Jeily leads with compassion, a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to help others,” said Wolak. “She has embraced every opportunity to learn, support her teammates and care for patients across our organization. We are proud to recognize her for the difference she makes every day at UNC Health Chatham.”

Espinal said the recognition is especially meaningful because it affirms the reason she chose health care. “This award means a lot to me. It shows me that I'm accomplishing what I came here to do — help people,” she said. “UNC Health Chatham is a great place to learn. The team is supportive, and you receive constructive feedback to help you learn and grow in the profession. I'm so grateful to be here.”

For the past two years, Espinal has served UNC Health Chatham as a CNA while completing nursing school. She recently finished her first year and plans to move into an RN role before continuing her education toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Colleagues know her for stepping in wherever she is needed and for bringing a calm, caring presence to every patient interaction. She also has passed a Spanish proficiency test, allowing her to support Spanish-speaking patients in med-surg, the emergency department, cardiac rehab and MCC, helping patients and families feel more comfortable and understood.

“In 2024, we tried something new by hiring six CNAs at once to strengthen the bond among the group and help them learn and grow together. Jeily is one of five who are still with us two years later and is a leader among her peers,” said Shelley Louya, director of inpatient services for med-surg, ICU and MCC. “She demonstrates our values, helps new CNA teammates integrate into our culture, and is committed to this team. Her eagerness to keep growing here benefits both the team and our patients.”

Espinal also has cross-trained in materials management and welcomes opportunities to float across departments, saying the experience helps her learn more and grow professionally. That flexibility, along with her willingness to support teammates wherever needed, has made her a valued member of the organization. Leaders at UNC Health Chatham say she reflects the dedication, adaptability and community spirit that define the hospital's culture of care.