11/25/2025
Congratulations to Shalesa Jimenez, CNA, November 2025 Sunshine Award Recipient!
Awarded by the Salisbury VA Shared Governance Workforce & Workplace Enhancement Council, Shalesa Jimenez, who is a CNA who works in Med-Surg 2-3 at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center, recently earned the November 2025 Sunshine Award.
On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Elizabeth Stroup, Associate Director for Patient Care Services & Executive Nurse, alongside the Workforce & Workplace Enhancement Shared Governance Council, presented the Sunshine Award to Shalesa. Her full award write-up follows:
It is with great pleasure that we recognize and commend the outstanding performance of Ms. Jimenez, Med Surg Unit 23B. She is a dedicated CNA with, high standard of professionalism, and provides compassionate care, which has made a significant impact on both our patients and the healthcare team.
Ms. Jimenez consistently provides high-quality, compassionate care to all patients. She demonstrates a deep understanding of patients' needs, ensuring their comfort, safety, and dignity. She is proficient in all aspects of personal care, including bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobilizing patients. His attention to detail and patient-centered approach are exemplary.
She communicates effectively when interacting with patients, families, and the healthcare team and listens attentively and responds with empathy, ensuring clear and concise information is shared. She has a natural ability to put patients and their families at ease, fostering trust and providing reassurance during stressful times. Ms. Jimenez is a team player who consistently supports her colleagues.
She willingly assists other CNAs, nurses, and staff, contributing to a positive and collaborative work environment. Her proactive attitude and flexibility have been instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of our unit, especially during high-demand periods.
Ms. Jimenez consistently demonstrates professionalism in all aspects of her work. She adheres to protocols, maintains confidentiality, and exhibits a strong work ethic. She is known for her punctuality and reliability, often volunteering for extra shifts or staying late to ensure patient care needs are met.
Ms. Jimenez shows commitment to the VA ICARE Values. She continues learning and pursuing professional development. She participates in training and educational programs to enhance his skills and knowledge. She actively seeks feedback and implements suggestions for improvement, always striving for excellence in his role.
Ms. Jimenez played a crucial role in the successful implementation of a new patient outdoor program promoting our patient population to participate in activities while in the hospital. She also participates in the unit's falls prevention program. She has received numerous commendations from patients and their families for his compassionate care and exceptional service.
Her dedication, compassion, and caring are evident in the smile in her picture below. She makes a successful effort to change patients' atmosphere by taking them outside for a change of scenery, often just sitting on the benches to "people watch' an activity enjoyed by many of our Veterans. She will often travel to other units multiple times in a shift without complaint.
Shalesa received a Sunshine pin, certificate, flowers, and a banner.
Congratulations, Shalesa, for all of your hard work and dedication to our Veterans.
The Sunshine award is a recognition program that awards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skills and compassionate care given by nursing assistants every day.
