Health Unit Coordinator Advisory
Atlantic Technical Center
November 4, 2011 at 8:30 a.m.
Business & Industry Members Present
Name
Suzanne Luongo
Donna Merolle
Rebecca Allen
Caren Bock
Title
Clinical Education
Manager
Director of Education
Director of Education
Clinical Technology
Specialist
Company
Memorial Health Care
Title
HUC Student
HUC Student
Company
Atlantic Technical Center
Atlantic Technical Center
Memorial Health Care
Florida Medical Center
Coral Springs Medical Center
Industry Guests Present
Name
Stephanie Neafsey
Tara-Lee Thompson
District and School-Based Support Staff
Name
Barbara Lefkowitz
Luz Kuilan
Maureen Chambers
Joyce Sanders
Title
Health Science Dept.
Head
HUC Instructor
Career Advisor
HUC Instructor
Work Location
Atlantic Technical Center
Atlantic Technical Center
Atlantic Technical Center
Sheridan Technical Center
Meeting Notes/Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 8:40 am by Barbara Lefkowitz. Introductions were made and the
minutes of April 20, 2011 were read and approved as written.
Action Items Approved
Advisory Committee Update Form and Employer Program Verification Form distributed to all Business
and Industry members to update and return to Barbara Lefkowitz.
Follow-Up Items/Next Steps
Sheridan Technical Center reported 19 program completers for the Spring 2011 program, 4 students
have not met Basic Skill requirements, 10 students were hired by the Memorial Health System and 3 students
are pursuing further education. Currently there are 24 enrolled students in the Fall 2011 term.
Atlantic Technical Center had 17 graduates for the August 2010 class, 5 HS graduated June 2011 and
are continuing further education. One of these students is working as a PCT instead of HUC. The Spring term
2011 had 24 graduates, 12 students are current Seniors students, three adult students have HUC jobs and 3
students are working out of the health science field, 3 adult students are furthering their education. Two
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students have not met the Basic Skill Scores. Nine students are NAHUC certified. Current enrollment is 18
students, 4 high school seniors.
Clinical Rotations
Students attending Sheridan Technical Center have the opportunity to do their clinical rotation at
Memorial Health Care System facilities. Students attending Atlantic Technical Center are getting their clinical
rotations at the four Broward Health System hospitals. Students are reporting positive clinical experiences.
Three students have been hired after program completion by the Broward Health System, 10 students have
been hired by the Memorial Health System.
Ready to Work
Maureen Chambers, Career Advisor explained the Ready To Work program. She explained that
students are able to take language and math skills tests and receive a certificate of completion which can be
added to their employment portfolio as an additional credential.
Employment outlook
Donna Merolle discussed how budget restraints have changed the availability of positions open for
hiring. Also, stated that two new units will be opening soon that will bring hiring opportunities to students.
Susan Luongo discussed how the organizations are committed to hire new graduates who will continue
to further their education, and make transitions for advancement within organizations.
Broward Health expressed how the organization collaborated with schools to have the students attend
clinical rotation, but at this time the focus on hiring seems to be on clinical or direct patient care staff.
Florida Medical expressed similar budget restriction problems and a willingness to support students.
Security Drug Testing
Barbara Lefkowitz explained that the training centers ensure that students have a rigorous Level II
background check and drug screening process prior to clinical rotation. Students who do not meet the criteria
are not allowed to continue in programs until their background is cleared.
Review of Curriculum Framework
The new curriculum was reviewed and item 20.03 “Contact nursing personnel regarding EKG
abnormalities” was discussed. It was noted that healthcare organizations did not have the expectation that
the HUC would have any responsibility regarding EKG rhythm monitoring or performing EKG procedures, that
only clerical duties are in their job description.
Textbooks
The following books are required for program.
BLS for Health Care Providers (ISBN #: 9781616690397)
Diversified Health Occupations Occ/Core WB (ISBN #: 9781418030223)
Health Unit Coordinator Text (ISBN #: 97814160441726
Electrocardiography for Health Care Personnel. 3rd Edition ((ISBN #: 9780077485276)
Open discussion
Multitasking and communication skills were discussed and stated as essential skills for the Health Unit
Coordinator. The role of the HUC includes “setting the tone” within the unit, and are responsible to coordinate
activities and interact with the interdisciplinary team. The implementation of Computer Physician Ordering
Entry in different facilities will be a challenge to HUC and an opportunity for them to use their coordinating
skills.
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Sheridan is using the workbook computer skills. We are using computerweb site for medical terminology
building “quizlet.com,” students are able to make flash cards, use quizzes and learn pronunciation. This web
tool is free and user friendly. Students are able to email their vocabulary work to the teacher.
Adjournment and Date/Time of Next Scheduled Meeting
Meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
The next meeting was scheduled for April 12, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at Atlantic Technical Center.
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