Director of Emergency & Trauma Services

Lakewood-Health-System; Staples (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

401K Match

Tuition assistance $2,000/year

HSA contributions

Employer-paid premiums for individual

Job summary

Lakewood Health System is seeking a Director of Emergency and Trauma Services to lead the ED, EMS, and clinical support teams. The role focuses on high-quality, patient-centered care, performance improvement, and efficient operations in a fast-paced setting.

The candidate will oversee workforce planning, financial stewardship, and evidence-based practice implementation, partnering with hospital leadership and HR to promote professional excellence and compassionate care.

Qualifications

• Graduate RN in good standing with Minnesota Board of Nursing.
• RN with CLS/TNCC or Trauma-Certified (TCRN) or STABLE certifications.
• Minimum 3 years in trauma/emergency care; 5+ years in leadership preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for ED, EMS, and clinical support teams.
• Drive performance improvement, patient safety, and efficient patient flow.
• Oversee staffing, budgeting, and change management initiatives.
• Collaborate with leaders and HR to support staff development and compliance.

Skills

Nursing leadership

Trauma/emergency care

Clinical nursing

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Graduate Registered Nurse from an accredited school of nursing

Tools

Electronic health records

Job description

About LakewoodLakewood Health System is a comprehensive rural healthcare system in central Minnesota. Leading the way in providing quality, personalized healthcare for a lifetime, Lakewood prides itself on remaining fiercely independent to prioritize its patients, staff, and communities in all decisions. Voted as one of Star Tribune’s Top Workplaces for the sixth year in a row, we do rural healthcare differently at LHS by providing a solid foundation of family practice providers with access to best-in-class specialty services, all right here at Lakewood. Across the spectrum of life, Lakewood Health System provides compassionate, quality care for the Brainerd Lakes region and beyond.About the DepartmentLakewood Health System’s Emergency Department is a Level III Trauma Center that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The department is staffed by registered nurses (RN), advanced practice clinicians (ACP), and physicians who work together to assess, diagnose and treat emergent medical conditions. Additionally, Lakewood is equipped with its own ambulance service to respond to emergencies in the region, transport patients to the hospital, and a helipad to transport patients elsewhere in emergency situations. We provide medical/trauma care, crisis intervention, and client education in a caring and confidential environment.Mission for PositionThe Director of Emergency and Trauma Services provides strategic leadership and oversight of the operational, financial, programmatic, and personnel functions of the Emergency Department to ensure the delivery of high-quality, compassionate, and efficient patient care, aligning with Lakewood’s mission, vision, and values.Position SummaryThe Emergency Services Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Emergency Department, EMS, and clinical support teams, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care that meets clinical, regulatory, and organizational standards. This role drives performance improvement, patient safety, and operational efficiency by optimizing patient flow, reducing wait times, and advancing trauma and emergency care in alignment with hospital goals. The Director is responsible for financial stewardship, workforce planning, and change management, leading the implementation of evidence-based practices and fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. Through collaboration with hospital leaders and Human Resources, the Director supports staff development, certification compliance, effective staffing, and professional excellence while promoting compassionate communication and supporting patients, families, and staff during complex or high-pressure situations.Position TypeThis is a full-time exempt position.QualificationsGraduate Registered Nurse from an accredited school of nursing and in good standing with the Minnesota Board of Nursing.Current Minnesota license to practice nursing.CLS / TNCC or a Trauma-Certified RN (TCRN) / STABLE certifications.Three years clinical experience in trauma/emergency care.Ideal CandidatePrefer a minimum of 5 years nursing leadership experience.Excellent computer skills, including experience in an electronic environment of nursing practice.Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment in a variety of situations.Effectively prioritizes and manages multiple competing tasks in a dynamic environment.Communicates clearly and professionally with patients, customers, and colleagues, both verbally and in writing.Maintains appropriate therapeutic boundaries and professional standards in patient interactions.Exhibits strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to adapt to change.Thrives in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.Approaches daily challenges with a positive, professional, and solutions-oriented attitude.BenefitsLakewood Health System is growing and looking for great people to join our mission of providing personalized, quality healthcare for a lifetime. At Lakewood, our people are our most valued asset!Generous Planned Time Off & Wellness Time Off401K MatchAnnual tuition assistance of $2,000 per yearBest-in-region employer HSA contributionsEmployer paid premiums for individual-only healthcare coverage!With ample opportunities for growth within the system and support as you pursue your personal goals, it's safe to say that Lakewood Health System is a great place to launch or continue your career in healthcare!A new team member's starting wage reflects our compensation philosophy, taking into account experience, education, certifications and internal equity. Hourly pay is just one part of the comprehensive and rewarding compensation package we're proud to provide! Please be sure to include all applicable experience in your application.If you need an accommodation during the application process, please call 218-894-8524 or email [e-mail], but will the schedule work for you? Have questions on organizational culture, team fit or day-to-day experience?>>>Contact Sarah Baumgartner to discuss the possibilities further:Sarah Baumgartner, RN, Vice President of NursingP: 218-894-8505E: [e-mail]:Job postings found on third-party websites may be outdated or no longer active. For the most accurate and up-to-date listing of career opportunities, and to apply directly, please visit our official website at www.lakewoodhealthsystem.com.Lakewood Health System provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.