October 24, 2003
MEDICAL CENTER MAGNET NURSE RETURNS AFTER SUPPORTING OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM


Scott J. Pomygalski, RN of Carlstadt, an ICU staff nurse on 4 Pavilion East at Hackensack University Medical Center, recently returned from his leave to serve America, performing a six-month rotation in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Scott intends to enter a masters program in nurse anesthesia. 

“We are proud to have a medical center employee volunteer for our country,” said Toni Fiore, RN, M.A. of Pompton Lakes, executive vice president of Patient Care and chief nursing officer. “We held Scott’s position open during his leave and we are happy with the knowledge and experience he has gleamed.”

A Wood-Ridge High School Graduate, Class of 1988, Scott graduated from Saint John’s University with a bachelor of science in business. He then attended William Paterson College, where he received a bachelor of science degree in nursing. In 1999, he joined the medical center staff as an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse. Mr. Pomygalski served six years with the Wood-Ridge Fire Department. He joined the New Jersey Army National Guard (50th MSB) as a Medical Corps Officer in 1993. After ten years, he transferred to the Reserves as an ICU nurse, in the 48th Combat Support Hospital of Fort Meade, M.D. 

On September 11th, Mr. Pomygalski’s Guard Unit was called up and initially set-up for mass casualties in Liberty State Park. Their next task was to guard the local bridges and tunnels and provide medical support for the Staten Island landfill. 

Of his patriotic experiences, Mr. Pomygalski said, “It is important to be part of something bigger than yourself.” 

Prior to his leave, he received trauma training and certification, including Trauma Nurse Course (TNCC), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Life Support (ACLS); plus necessary inoculations. He credited his parents, brother and niece for their support. Upon Mr. Pomygalski’s return, the nurses at the medical center hosted a surprise welcome back luncheon. He was touched by the all the gestures of his colleagues and displayed a poster he had received from his floor nurses that he carried with him everywhere overseas. 

“The experience has added a new dimension to my life and nursing - most patients were suffering from traumatic injuries such as gunshots, explosions, burns, and diseases we don’t see in the United States,” said Mr. Pomygalski. “Prior to leaving Hackensack I thought my training and experience at Hackensack University Medical Center, my trust in God, and the remembrance of the llth would serve me well. It did just that.”

Pictured, from left: Hackensack University Medical Center healthcare team members Leon Ramirez of North Bergen, telemetry technician; Scott Pomygalski, RN of Wood Ridge, a staff nurse on 4 Pavilion East; Laurie Terizzi, RN of Hawthorne; Carol Wynne, RN of Nanuet, NY, nurse manager of the Coronary Care Unit; Maria Mark, RN of Maywood, staff nurse; Trisha Maher, RN, staff nurse of CCU, and Stephanie Goldberg, RN of Franklin Lakes, vice president of Nursing. 


 

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