Sylvia Fulmore, a health unit coordinator (HUC) in the Surgical Intensive
Care Unit (SICU) at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, has been named the 2014
Certified Health Unit Coordinator of the Year by the National Association
of Health Unit Coordinators (NAHUC), Inc. Fulmore has worked the night
shift in Boca Regional’s SICU since 1990 and has maintained NAHUC
certification for more than 20 years.
In her role as a certified health unit coordinator, Fulmore plays a crucial
part in ensuring the SICU functions at the most efficient level. Coworkers
describe Fulmore as a dedicated colleague who thinks two steps ahead and
is always prepared to assist them. That commitment and care is especially
present when it pertains to patients.
“As nurses, we cannot be everywhere at once — but we know
we can rely on Sylvia,” said Janet Kelly, RN, Fulmore’s colleague
at Boca Regional, who nominated her for the award. “She constantly
monitors our patients’ cardiac rhythms, oxygen levels, blood pressure
and respiratory rates, and she informs us of any nuanced changes, prompting
a more rapid intervention.”
In fact, Fulmore’s attentiveness has helped saved lives. Such was
the case when a post-operative patient, in stable condition with a normal
sinus rhythm, began to show a decrease in heart rate. Fulmore observed
the sudden change and notified SICU nurses at once. Within seconds, the
patient had suffered a symptomatic bradycardia (significantly low heart
rate). Fulmore’s alert, however, commenced immediate intervention
by the nursing team. The patient survived.
“The patient’s spouse expressed a sense of great comfort and
relief that Sylvia was on guard at the monitors throughout the night,”
said Kelly.
Comforting patients and their family members is a top priority for Fulmore.
On several occasions, she has even sung to help patients fall asleep.
“We have watched the positive, physiologic changes that occur with
music,” said Kelly. “One patient would ask Sylvia to sing,
stating that it was better than any medicine we could give her.”
Fulmore is often the first staff member who visiting family members meet
when they arrive at the SICU — and she always leaves a lasting impression.
According to Fulmore’s colleagues, it’s not unusual to see
former patients and their family members stop by and say hello to Fulmore
long after they’ve received treatment.
“Sylvia is a compassionate individual and consummate professional
most deserving of this recognition,” said Jerry J. Fedele, President
and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “On behalf of the entire
Boca Regional staff, I commend and congratulate her for earning such a
distinguished honor. This award reflects Sylvia’s reputation for
exceptional service and embodies our
One Team. One Mission.
approach to patient-centered care.”
About Boca Raton Regional Hospital – Advancing the boundaries of medicine.
Boca Raton Regional Hospital is an advanced, tertiary medical center (
BRRH.com) with 400 beds and more than 800 primary and specialty physicians on staff.
The Hospital is a recognized leader in oncology, cardiovascular disease
and surgery, minimally invasive surgery, orthopedics, women’s health,
emergency medicine and the neurosciences, all of which offer state-of-the-art
diagnostic and imaging capabilities. The Hospital is a designated Comprehensive
Stroke Center by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
Boca Raton Regional Hospital is the recipient of the 2014 Distinguished
Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ for the 10th year in a row
and was named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2011, 2012,
2013 and 2014, both by Healthgrades®. Boca Raton Regional Hospital
was also recognized for the third consecutive year in U.S. News &
World Report’s 2013–2014 Best Hospitals listing as a top-ranked
hospital in the South Florida metropolitan area.
Media Contact:
Brandon Bielich, 561.955.4706
Communications Specialist
bbielich@brrh.com