This study examined a nursing aide recognition program in a nursing home with 50 nurses and 200 nurse aides. Before the program was implemented, baseline data on job satisfaction were gathered with a questionnaire. A one-page description of the program and an evaluation tool were distributed to the nurse aides at their information sessions. Nurse Aides I were told that if they chose to participate they would be evaluated by the nurse and the Nurse Aide II on the unit. Nurses' inservices included instructions on use of the performance appraisal. Approximately 43 percent of the Nurse Aides I elected to participate. Comments by those evaluating the aides and the participant aides themselves were collected. When results were tallied, 34 percent of the participant nurse aides (or 14 percent of the total) achieved the award. A commendation was placed in the personnel record of those who completed the program but did not achieve the award. Staff observations indicated that the program tended to increase bickering between nurses aides instead of engendering team work; participants dropped out due to the perception that their scores were lower than their performance; participants were angered and embarrassed if they did not achieve the award; and the administrative time was possibly prohibitive. (Questionnaires and evaluation forms are included.) (ABL)