The Rise of the PCA/HUC

In the ever-evolving healthcare field, new roles and specialties are constantly emerging. One of the most promising additions in recent years is the patient care assistant (PCA) or healthcare unit coordinator (HUC). These individuals work alongside nurses and physicians to provide essential patient care services and administrative support. In this blog post, we will explore the rise of the PCA/HUC role, its impact on healthcare, and why it is a smart career choice for anyone interested in healthcare.

What is a PCA/HUC, and What Do They Do?

Patient care assistants (PCAs) and healthcare unit coordinators (HUCs) work together to provide support services to medical teams, patients, and their families. PCAs work on the patient care side, focusing on activities such as intake and recording vital signs, assisting with hygiene and ambulation, and providing basic bedside care. HUCs, on the other hand, work on the administrative side, scheduling appointments, ordering supplies, and ensuring patient records are current.

The Advantages of Pursuing a PCA/HUC Career

The PCA/HUC role is highly rewarding, providing the opportunity to make a difference in patients' lives and support the medical team in delivering quality care. Additionally, the role is often an entry-level position that requires little formal education beyond a high school diploma or GED. For those interested in advancing their careers, additional training and certification can lead to supervisory positions in healthcare settings.

The Role of the PCA/HUC in Healthcare

The PCA/HUC role has become increasingly important in recent years as the healthcare industry continues shifting towards a team-based care approach. In this model of care, every team member, including PCAs/HUCs, plays a critical role in providing a positive patient experience and achieving optimal health outcomes.

Employment Opportunities for PCAs/HUCs

Employment opportunities for PCAs/HUCs abound in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. The demand for these roles is expected to continue growing in the coming years and offers excellent job security for those interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry.

Training and Certification Requirements

Although a high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum educational requirement for working as a PCA/HUC, additional training, and certification can give individuals a competitive edge in the job market. Community colleges, vocational schools, and professional organizations offer various training programs and certifications.

With the rise of the PCA/HUC role in healthcare, now is a great time to consider pursuing this career path. The demand for these roles will only increase as healthcare emphasizes team-based approaches to care. With the opportunity to make a difference in patient's lives, the potential for career advancement, and various employment opportunities, pursuing a career as a PCA/HUC is a smart career choice for anyone interested in healthcare.

PCA/Unit Secretary Job Requirement (Video)

The PCA/Unit Secretary position is a hybrid of two positions. It combines the duties and responsibilities of both the PCA and the Unit Secretary.

I'll explain what the PCA/Unit Secretary does in this video.

CNA to Unit Secretary: That Awkward Phase (Video)

I’ve seen these three scenarios play out repeatedly. 

·       A CNA/PCA becomes a full-time Unit Secretary

·       A CNA/PCA gets cross-trained to work as a Unit Secretary

·      A CNA/Nurse Intern finishes nursing school and works as a Unit Secretary until they take and pass their boards.

This is an awkward phase for the CNA, and I’ll explain why in this video.  

The Rise of the PCA/HUC (Video)

There seems to be a trend in hospitals to have one person fill two roles, either a PUC or a PCA/HUC.

This is when you have a person who is a certified Patient Care Attendant who also works as a Health Unit Coordinator. They can answer the telephone and input orders into the computer. They can also place patients on the bedside commode and check their blood pressure.

Over the years, hospitals have attempted to fill the void left by insufficient HUCs by cross-training the PCAs to answer the telephones and assemble patient charts.

A simple Google search brings up multiple part-time PCA/HUC job openings. There is a job posting for a per diem PCA/HUC at the hospital I work for now. Usually, these positions are for smaller units like an ICU or areas where procedures are performed. This means there is a need for both a HUC and a PCA, but not both all the time.

But with this upward trend of PUCs, will those who have only been HUCs be replaced? Or will they soon be required to become certified PCAs to keep their jobs?

So far, the answer is no. Hospitals will push those of us who are Health Unit Coordinators only to the bigger floors and have the PUCs do the ICUs and other smaller units.

So tell me, what is going to happen?