Source: CentralJersey.com
After his performance at the Count Basie Theater on April 22, actor and comedian Tracy Morgan presented his annual Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation Nursing to health care professional Pamela Ogarek, RN, who has worked in the brain trauma Unit at Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute since 1997.
Ogarek began her career as a patient care technician at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in 1993. She continued working as she earned a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University in 1996 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from William Paterson University in 1997.
After completing her nursing degree, Ogarek wanted to return to the Brain Trauma Unit, part of the JFK Johnson Center for Brain Injuries, where she had previously worked as a patient care technician. According to a statement, she found the process of helping brain injury patients recover their abilities extremely gratifying and fulfilling.
“You help someone learn to eat again, or to walk again. Maybe they suddenly start to remember events in their lives. You help them become themselves again. It requires patience and can take a long time. But seeing people improve is extraordinary.”
Ogarek said brain injury patients often do not sleep well so the nights can be very busy, and she has much interaction with patients. Patients and their families often ask about Morgan.
“To be recognized for excellence in nursing, that is so meaningful to me. When you work nights, you are not easily seen,” Ogarek said in the statement. “I apply myself to excellence and am detail oriented. It is wonderful to be appreciated with this honor.”
Morgan starred for seven seasons on NBC’s Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning 30 Rock. He also was a cast member for seven seasons on Saturday Night Live.. In 2014, Morgan was in a coma after a serious vehicle accident on the New Jersey Turnpike. He was treated at the JFK Johnson Center for Brain Injuries and frequently shares his experiences to thank his caregivers and to inspire others with brain injuries.
Morgan visited JFK Johnson last year and met with current and former patients with brain injuries. His story of recovery as he has returned to acting and a rigorous stand-up tour — as well as producing and starring in The Last O.G. — inspires other patients who have experienced brain injuries, according to the statement.
“For me to be a part of presenting this award every year, it’s a blessing. It’s a blessing to me,” Morgan said. “I know the recipients of this award are people helping others. They are in service to others. That is the way to heaven.”
“We are thankful to Tracy Morgan for continuing to shine a light on the skill, compassion, and specialized training of the rehabilitation nurses who work at the HMH JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute,” Dr. Sara Cuccurullo, medical director and vice president of JFK Johnson, said in the statement.