10 Questions with Keaton Bergal, RN

From Cape Cod Hospital to Boston and now Falmouth Urgent Care: A nurse finds his way back home.

After caring for patients at Cape Cod Hospital, gaining additional experience at Tufts Medical Center and taking some time off to travel, Keaton Bergal, RN, found himself drawn back to Cape Cod Healthcare.

“Cape Cod has always felt like home,” said Keaton.

The Barnstable High School graduate, who earned his nursing degree from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, began his nursing career on Mugar 6 at Cape Cod Hospital, where supportive coworkers helped shape his confidence as a new nurse.

“When you first start nursing, it’s kind of overwhelming,” said Keaton, who later worked on Mugar 3. “But my preceptor, Katie Curtice, and the whole crew made me really fall in love with nursing.”

After two years, Keaton moved to Boston to work on the neurosurgery step-down unit at Tufts Medical Center, caring for critically ill patients and expanding his clinical skills. While he valued the experience, he quickly realized he missed living and working on Cape Cod.

Today, Keaton is part of the team at Falmouth Urgent Care, where he enjoys the fast pace and unpredictability of each shift. “You never know what’s going to come through the door,” he said. “It keeps it interesting.”

After gaining experience in Boston, Keaton returned home to CCHC, where he thrives at Falmouth Urgent Care.

From tick bites and dog bites to lacerations, IV treatments, EKGs, and kids with cuts from stepping on seashells, every day brings something different. After years of working on inpatient units and evening shifts, he also appreciates the daytime hours of urgent care. “People come in, you treat them and they go home the same day. It’s satisfying.”

Inspired to pursue nursing by his older brother, Keaton loves both the human connection and the science behind healthcare. Looking ahead, he’s considering earning his master’s degree to become a nurse educator.

“We’re going to need more and more nurses,” he said. “Helping train the next generation would be really rewarding.”

When he’s not at work, the middle of three brothers can often be found practicing jiu-jitsu, golfing with friends or reading a novel. We recently caught up with the 28-year-old on his day off to learn more about his career journey, favorite Cape Cod spots and the item that’s at the top of his bucket list.

1. Your very first job?

I pumped gas on Route 6A and worked as a Little League umpire. But the majority of growing up, I valeted cars at the Black Cat in Hyannis with a group of friends. Looking back, valet parking taught me a lot about talking with people and staying calm in a fast-paced environment—skills that have helped me tremendously in nursing.

2. What inspired you to become a nurse?

My older brother first got me interested in nursing. Although he eventually chose a different career path, he introduced me to the profession and talked about how rewarding it could be. I also love the science and math behind healthcare. There’s so much to think about with every illness, disease and medication, and I enjoy the challenge of putting all the pieces together.

3. If you weren’t working in healthcare, what career would you choose?

I’d probably be a pilot. I’ve always been fascinated by airplanes and have never been afraid of heights. When I was younger, I used to take sightseeing rides on the biplanes at Cape Cod Airfield in Marstons Mills. Seeing the Cape’s beaches and coastline from hundreds of feet in the air was incredible. If flying could be my job, I’d love it—although constantly changing time zones might be a dealbreaker. I definitely need my sleep.

4. What might your coworkers be surprised to learn about you?  

I’ve been training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for about five years. I train two to four times a week and really enjoy the technical side of the sport. The better you become, the more it’s about technique than strength. 

5. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Golf has become one of my favorite hobbies because it’s something I can enjoy for life. I also lift weights, read a lot and would like to spend more time fishing. 

6. Favorite place and restaurant on Cape Cod?

Sandy Neck is hard to beat. I love spending time there with family and friends. My favorite restaurant is Anejo—the margaritas, chips and salsa are the best.

7. What book are you reading at the moment?

I’m rereading “Stoner,” by John Williams. It's about an English professor in Missouri and follows his life from childhood until his death. It almost reads like a memoir, chronicling an ordinary life from beginning to end. On the surface, he seems like an unremarkable person, but the novel beautifully shows that everyone has a meaningful story. It’s really about finding joy in what makes you happy instead of living for other people’s expectations. It’s a little sad, but it's one of my favorite books. 

8. What’s one item you never leave home without?

My cross necklace. My father gave it to me as a Christmas gift and had it blessed. I wear it every day. It reminds me of my faith and gives me a sense of peace and protection. 

9. Best advice you’ve ever received? 

Don’t trust every thought you have and do not judge. It’s easy to make assumptions or let your first reaction shape how you see a situation, but I’ve learned it’s important to take a step back and abandon all judgment. That’s especially true in healthcare, where every patient has a unique story. Approaching people with an open mind helps you provide better care. 

10. One thing on your bucket list?  

I want to take a trip to Texas and buy a real Stetson cowboy hat. My brothers and my dad all have one, so now it’s my turn.