Director of Emergency & Trauma Services

Lakewood Health System; Staples (MN); On-site; USD 108,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Planned Time Off & Wellness

401K Match

Annual tuition assistance of $2,000

Best-in-region employer HSA

Employer paid premiums for individual-

Employer paid premiums for individual-

Healthcare coverage!

Job summary

Lakewood Health System in Staples, MN seeks an Emergency Services Director to lead the ED, EMS, and clinical support teams, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care around the clock.

You will drive performance improvement, manage finances and staffing, and advance trauma and emergency care in alignment with hospital goals, with a focus on teamwork, communication, and compassionate service.

Qualifications

• Graduate RN in good standing with Minnesota Board.
• Current Minnesota nursing license.
• Trauma certifications (TNCC/TCRN/STABLE).

Responsibilities

• Lead Emergency Department, EMS, and clinical support teams.
• Improve patient flow and reduce wait times.
• Ensure high-quality, patient-centered care aligned with standards.

Skills

Nursing leadership

Trauma care

Staff development

Electronic health records

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Minnesota RN license

Trauma certifications

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Job description

Job Details

• Level: Management
• Job Location: Main Campus - Staples, MN 56479
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $51.97 - $73.99 Hourly
• Job Category: Health Care

About Lakewood

Lakewood 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 Department

Lakewood 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 Position

The 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 Summary

The 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 Type

This is a full-time exempt position.

Qualifications

• Graduate 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 Candidate

• Prefer 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.

Benefits

• Generous Planned Time Off & Wellness Time Off
• 401K Match
• Annual tuition assistance of $2,000 per year
• Best-in-region employer HSA contributions
• Employer paid premiums for individual-only healthcare coverage!

Equal Employment Opportunities

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.