Division of Nursing - UNC Health Care

Support of Excellence Awards - Health Unit Coordinator5 Bedtower | Support of excellence awardAminata Diop, HUCAminata Diop of Senegal, Africa, has worked as a Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) on 5 Bedtower in trauma and orthopedics since1997. She loves her job as an HUC for the Surgery Service and prefers to acknowledge her co-workers more than talking aboutherself.“Where I’m from, it’s not humble to talk about your achievements,” Ami (pronounced Ah-ME) said of winning the award. Sheloves recognizing her co-workers’ efforts though. “It’s a great team. There’s great support in nursing management,” she said.“They’re wonderful to work for. Everyone is so accommodating of each other.”She also loves working the weekend shifts. “You have to have great management to allow people to do that,” Ami said. “I’mnot married so it’s easier for me to do. They are all willing to work five days a week. I’m really appreciative to work weekends.”Cheryl Stewart, manager of 5 Bedtower was not surprised that Ami would only talk about her co-workers. “She’s incrediblyhumble. She is just wonderful at her job — she’s kind, considerate, efficient and reliable. She’s someone everyone likes to bearound and sets the tone for the entire unit,” Stewart said. She’s a multi-tasker who’s never stressed, calm in emergencies andoutstanding in her job.”3 Anderson | Support of excellence awardShirley Tate, HUCShirley Tate has been an employee at UNC Hospitals for 14 years, but has been part of theUNC family from an early age. She recalls her brother being born at Memorial Hospital inAugust of 1954.Born and raised in Chapel Hill, Shirley now lives in Hillsborough and wishes she had come towork at the hospital sooner. “It’s good, steady employment,” she said, “and I like working atthe hospital.” Apparently the nurses she works with on 3 Anderson like having her there aswell. “I answer the phone, meet and greet people, transcribe the doctors’ orders, help thenurses, and smile a lot,” she said.From her perspective, at the desk she’s able to keep nurses apprised of patients’ needs anddoesn’t hesitate to assist them when she can, like opening or closing a door or simply helpingthem telephone a family member. “My nurses are just great to work with,” she said. “I lovethem. They do a good job.”4