Prior to World War II, physicians, nurses, and specialists staffed hospitals with very few “support” personnel. World War II then brought about massive changes in the staffing of health facilities. These changes were first felt in the late 1930s and forced nurses to perform extra duties. At that time they were simply put in the position to do “desk duties” such as answer the phone, paperwork and going on errands. As time went on, more and more responsibilities expanded and advancement in technology resulted in shifting of many tasks and it soon became clear that this position was so much more than someone who just answered the phone and ran errands. 

In 1980 several educational programs were established across the nation and the first organizational meeting was held in Phoenix, Arizona on Aug. 23rd 1980. This date then became the National Health Unit Coordinating Day to celebrate Health Unit Coordinating as a recognized health profession.

The HUC has now become the centralized hub of the unit and is so many things to so many people. They have the ability to listen when there are a hundred other things to do and give advice to fellow staff and to their patients. They remember that every patient could be their mother, father, sister or brother and offer kind words, a shoulder to cry on and a smile when needed. They act as a liaison and serve as a vital link between the physicians, nursing staff and various departments.

It takes a very special person to perform all of these duties as they must be reliable, dependable, patient and possess a pleasant and professional disposition along with having a big caring heart.

We appreciate each person who serves in this role and so we celebrate our unit coordinators on National HUC day particularly because of the service they provide to our healthcare system.

Let’s show our support to these dedicated men and women, don’t forget to tell them thank you and most of all hug your HUC today.