Health Unit Coordinators Day on August 23 reminds us of the important teamwork taking place in medical facilities and why health unit coordinators are so vital and indispensable. They support the medical staff by performing a variety of roles — from checking in patients to preparing birth certificates. Without health unit coordinators, hospitals would be unable to navigate the procedural requirements of even the most basic health care tasks.
Hospitals and other health care centers are massive organizations that rely on hundreds of doctors, nurses, techs, maintenance people, facilities coordinators and administrative staff to work together efficiently so that the hospital functions like a well-oiled machine. On Health Unit Coordinators Day, remember these hard-working folks helping to keep our health needs and information on track.
History of Health Unit Coordinators Day
At the end of World War II, the United States witnessed huge changes to the medical and healthcare industry. Many hospitals were flooded with patients leaving nurses and physicians with a huge workload and struggling to perform their duties to a high quality.
In order to enable nurses to focus solely on patient care, the health unit coordinators were created. These staff members have become critical and enabled vast improvements in the functioning of medical establishments.
Health unit coordinators were originally known as ‘‘floor clerks’’, ‘‘hospital secretary’’ or ‘‘ward clerk.’’ They soon developed a permanent role with hospitals and went from just completing admin tasks to managing and coordinating the activities and units.
As time has rolled by health unit coordinators have impacted America in an irreversible way. With 4.11 million people in the medical administrative workforce, they are a force to be reckoned with. On a typical day, they organize charts, transcribe physicians’ orders, and assist at the nursing station. Ultimately, they handle and juggle many duties which adhere to the running of the hospitals and medical establishments they reside in. Without them, hospitals would struggle to navigate their intricate day to day operations.
Health unit coordinators may not always get the limelight, but their work is vital and should be recognized, which is why August 23 is their day.
Health Unit Coordinators Day timeline
- 2017
Expanded recognition
Health Unit Coordinator Day is expanded to a full week – August 23-29.
- 1982
Board meeting
The first National Association of Health Unit Coordinators is held and the code of ethics and standards of practice for HUC’s are established.
- August 23, 1980
Meeting to discuss
Head of NAHUC Myrna LaFleur-Brooks invites a group to meet in Phoenix, Arizona to discuss forming an association for ‘‘Health Unit Coordinators.’’
- 1940
The modern hospital
An article called ‘‘In Favor of Floor Secretaries’’ is written by a hospital administrator outlining the implementation of the role.
Health Unit Coordinators Day FAQs
What does a Health Unit Coordinator do?
Health unit coordinators ensure that the administrative and operational sides to a medical setting run smoothly.
How long does it take to become a Health Unit Coordinator?
It can take up to 2 years. You may need an associate degree but may be able to get into a certification program too.
How do I become a Health Unit Coordinator?
To become a health unit coordinator you must complete a short degree or certificate program. Once you finish formal education and gain some experience, you also have the option of being certified through the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators, Inc.
How To Celebrate Health Unit Coordinators Day
Give a gift
Show your support with gifts from the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators, Inc. and Jim Coleman, Ltd. Their exciting collection of gifts is sure to make this year's celebration the best ever.
Thank a HUC
If you know a health unit coordinator then send them a quick thank you message.
Share on social media
Share the love on social media and spread your messages of appreciation with the hashtag #nahuc.
5 Facts About Health Unit Coordinators Day
Call me anytime
HUC’s handle all telephone communication for hospital nursing units.
Lean on my shoulder
HUC’s are trained to greet and listen to concerns or requests from patients.
Typical
The starting salary of a HUC is usually between $10.50 to $14.00 an hour.
Workin hard for the money
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that medical secretaries make an average annual salary of $37,090 a year.
Top respondents
Out of 257 HUC’S rating their job satisfaction online, 4 out of 5 of them were ‘’highly satisfied.’’
Why Health Unit Coordinators Day is Important
They’re desperately needed
Our health system just wouldn't function as well without them. It’s the health unit coordinators that enable our doctors and nurses to be so productive.
The time savers are here
They’re desperately needed
Smooth operators
They perform an endless list of tasks e which keep all operations running. They don’t always get the credit they deserve, so this day shines a light on all their hard work which does not go unnoticed.
Health Unit Coordinators Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | August 23 | Sunday |
| 2021 | August 23 | Monday |
| 2022 | August 23 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | August 23 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | August 23 | Friday |
