Director of Emergency & Trauma Services

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 oss 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…