Sara Bergam
Sandy,UT
Summary
Experienced Registered Nurse and Heart Transplant Coordinator with over 10 years of progressive nursing experience and 7 years in program coordination. Skilled in staff leadership, patient care oversight, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy development. Proven ability to manage complex clinical programs, drive process improvements, and foster team development in high-acuity hospital settings. Adept at balancing clinical excellence with operational efficiency to support organizational goals and high-quality patient outcomes.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Heart Transplant Coordinator
University of Utah Hospital
Salt Lake City, UT
10.2021 - Current
- Coordinate all aspects of the heart transplant process, ensuring compliance with UNOS regulations and institutional protocols.
- Lead patient and family education on transplantation, post-operative care, and long-term outcomes.
- Collaborate with surgeons, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams to streamline admissions, surgeries, and follow-up care.
- Monitor lab work, patient evaluations, and care plans while ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
- Implement process improvements to enhance program efficiency and patient safety.
Registered Nurse
University of Utah Hospital
Salt Lake City, UT
06.2018 - 10.2021
- Oversaw daily operations of the Neuro-Vascular division, managing scheduling, patient flow, and pre/post-surgical education.
- Conducted independent patient visits for wound and incision checks and supported physicians during clinics.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Served as Co-Chair of the Ambulatory Nurse Practice Council, influencing hospital-wide nursing policy development and implementation.
Registered Nurse
Ideal Image
Orem, UT
11.2017 - 06.2018
- Performed the services provided such as laser hair removal, CoolSculpting, and injectables with precision and skill while making the patient feel comfortable and at ease.
Registered Nurse-Circulating & Scrub Nurse
Utah Valley Hospital
Provo, UT
07.2017 - 11.2017
- Managed patient readiness and safety in the OR, including pre-op education, consent verification, and anesthesia assistance.
- Assisting anesthesia with intubation, ensuring the safety of the patient at all times, prepping the surgical site, administering any needed medication, sending specimens to pathology and anticipating the needs of the surgeon.
Clinical Nurse Coordinator
University of Utah Hospital
Salt Lake City, UT
06.2014 - 06.2016
- Oversaw The Comprehensive Surgical Epilepsy Program including ensuring completion of all pre-surgical testing, weekly update on status of all patients, and coordination of Epilepsy Case Conference and preparation of summaries.
- Administration of radioactive isotope for Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) procedure involving injecting isotope upon first clinical sign of a seizure, administering rescue medication, and suctioning.
- Rounding on all patients admitted to the hospital for Video-EEG, coordinating communication between patient, physician, and resident, facilitation of a seamless discharge by educating the family and patient.
Registered Nurse
St. Mark's Hospital
Salt Lake City, UT
08.2013 - 06.2014
- Systematically and continually assess the health and status of the patient, collaborate with the patient/family to develop and implement patient care plans that include problems, goals, evaluations, and interventions.
- Utilizes competencies such as interpreting EKG strips, accessing central lines, administering IV medication, communicating with physicians about the status of their patients, and critically thinking in emergent situations.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Leadership And Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT10-2027
Nursing -
Ameritech College
Draper, UT01.2013
Skills
- Staff Leadership & Team Development
- Policy & Procedure Implementation
- Quality Improvement Initiatives
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Program & Operations Management
- Patient & Family Education
Leadership Highlights
- Co-Chair, Ambulatory Nurse Practice Council – University of Utah Hospital
- Mentored and trained new nurses across multiple clinical divisions.
- Directed two major specialty programs (Heart Transplant and Comprehensive Surgical Epilepsy), demonstrating advanced leadership and management capabilities.
Timeline
Heart Transplant Coordinator
University of Utah Hospital
10.2021 - Current
Registered Nurse
University of Utah Hospital
06.2018 - 10.2021
Registered Nurse
Ideal Image
11.2017 - 06.2018
Registered Nurse-Circulating & Scrub Nurse
Utah Valley Hospital
07.2017 - 11.2017
Clinical Nurse Coordinator
University of Utah Hospital
06.2014 - 06.2016
Registered Nurse
St. Mark's Hospital
08.2013 - 06.2014
Master of Science - Nursing Leadership And Management
Western Governors University
Nursing -
Ameritech College
Similar Profiles
Kenna Sparks TetroKenna Sparks Tetro
X-Ray Technologist Assistant (Student) at University of Utah HospitalX-Ray Technologist Assistant (Student) at University of Utah Hospital
Andrew TorneroAndrew Tornero
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit at University of Utah HospitalRegistered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit at University of Utah Hospital
MELINDA FOWLKSMELINDA FOWLKS
Inpatient Cardiovascular Acute Care Social Work at University of Utah HospitalInpatient Cardiovascular Acute Care Social Work at University of Utah Hospital
Lindsey KelleyLindsey Kelley
Dental Assistant/Front Desk Patient Coordinator at Mock and Tran DentistryDental Assistant/Front Desk Patient Coordinator at Mock and Tran Dentistry
Tessa GrowTessa Grow
Medical Assistant at Dr. David J. Breding, M.D.Medical Assistant at Dr. David J. Breding, M.D.