‘Once-in-a-Lifetime Achievement’: BWH Unit Coordinator Receives National Award
Izabel Lima
Izabel Lima, a unit coordinator on Braunwald Tower 12AB/14AB, recently received the Outstanding Unit Coordinator of the Year Award from the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators (NAHUC). This national award, which recognizes unit coordinators who serve as role models and practice excellence, was presented at the association’s annual conference in Chicago in August.
In this Q&A, Lima shares her reflections on the award and her 17 years as a unit coordinator.
Can you share a bit about your background and how you became a unit coordinator?
I came to Boston from Brazil 27 years ago. In the beginning, one of my biggest and most basic challenges was to overcome the language barrier. It took me 10 years of practicing language and meeting people to find my way to the Brigham. I started in customer service at a dry cleaner, and one of my customers introduced me to Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Since I’ve been at the Brigham, I have achieved many things, and I have been able to take advantage of many resources. Thanks to Workforce Development and JVS (Jewish Vocational Service), I have been able to improve my language skills by taking English classes. I also believe that, with their help, I was able to advance in my career as a unit coordinator. I was finally certified in 2011 after failing the test the first time and taking numerous classes. In the health care field, there is so much complex language and, while I struggled with it, I DID IT!
What do you enjoy most about the unit coordinator role?
I enjoy being part of the team, connecting with and helping individuals, and making a difference for the patients and families.
You attended the NAHUC conference in August. Were there any sessions or speakers that particularly resonated with you?
The NAHUC conference was transformative, informative and eye-opening. We heard about music therapy for geriatric patients and patients with disability, as well as mental health support in the workplace.
What does winning the Outstanding Unit Coordinator of the Year Award mean to you?
Winning the award means everything to me. To be acknowledged for our hard work and what the UCs do is truly a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, and I am proud to represent BWH.
What advice do you have for those hoping to become a certified unit coordinator?
Do it! I’m so glad I did!