August's Nurse of the Month: Sheri Bergen (she/her), RN, BN Clinical Resource Nurse

Sheri Bergen’s journey to becoming a nurse was anything but a straight path. After injuring her back and neck in a car accident, Sheri was so touched by the care she received while in hospital, that she decided to become a Unit Clerk.

“I had such great care, that when I got out, I went back to school for education to become a Unit Clerk. That's I guess that's where the journey started,” says Sheri.

Working as a Unit Clerk wasn't just a job, but another stepping-stone on her pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse. After many years at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, (formerly Bethesda Hospital), and Hôpital Ste-Anne Hospital, she was so inspired by the amazing people she worked with that she decided to pursue a career in nursing.  

“When I worked as a Unit Clerk, I would see the nurses engaging with there patients, I just I loved watching them interact,” says Sheri. “They just showed so much kindness and patience that I could see myself being a nurse. I just wanted to be a part of that team.”

Since starting her new path as a nurse in 2018, Sheri has focused on Geriatric and Palliative Care at Resthaven Care home.

“It can be hard on the heart, but it can also be rewarding. Working with residents with dementia gives me the opportunity to help families understand that their loved one can still have a good quality of life even with dementia,” says Sheri. “I feel honoured that families trust me to care for their loved one. My goal every time is to make sure my resident has a comfortable death and that the family feels supported. I really try to prepare families for what is involved in palliation, when families are able to just sit with their loved one and say their goodbyes, I feel like I have done my job as a nurse. I really like being a part of a team I cannot provide the best care alone.”

“Right now, a number of the residents here grew up together or know each other prior to moving into Resthaven, once in awhile we care for residents that use to work here at Resthaven. Making it community centered.”

Sheri adds that she’s energized every day being part of a team that truly cares and looks out for each other.

“I love and trust my team. They’re smart and advocate for the residents. It’s not just the nurses, doctors, Nurse Practioners and healthcare aides. The team also includes the housekeeping staff, and dietary, and they will spend time with a resident, they'll build a relationship, learning details that help the nurses and HCA’s provide care, it is truly a team atmosphere that I get to be apart of,” she says.

As an early career nurse, Sheri has found her place and loves it, encouraging others to do the same, and to not let insecurity or fear stop you from pursuing the career you want in nursing.

“Find people that will support you. You need to have friends that are willing to help and listen to you when you are struggling,” says Sheri. “When I feel supported, I know that I can tackle any task with confidence.”

She adds that it’s important for nurses to also take a minute to be kind to themselves and remember you are important too.

“Advice for anyone thinking of pursuing nursing as a career, just know that whatever area of nursing you choose to pursue, just be kind to yourself and forgive yourself on mistakes made,” says Sheri. “Remember that sometimes we’re our worst critics, don’t say things to yourself that you would never say to a friend.”