“Two unique opportunities early in my career made it clear to me that I wanted to be an emergency room nurse,” shared Lisa Hartwigsen, RN, and current Emergency/Med Surg Director at MRHC. “I have always been interested in healthcare but I wasn’t sure on what specific career to pursue. My junior year of high school I joined the Army National Guard as a combat medic. Then, the next year as a senior, I interned with Carroll County EMS.” These were two immersive career experiences Hartwigsen was grateful to have before attending nursing school.
Hartwigsen attended nursing school at DMACC in Carroll, initially became a nurse on the Med-Surg floor and then a charge nurse. “After that, I accepted a position in the emergency department and found my passion for emergency medicine,” said Hartwigsen.
Soon after, the opportunity arose for Hartwigsen to further her career as the Emergency Dept/Med Surg Director at MRHC. “I value the senior management’s mentorship in my new role, and I really appreciate how MRHC has encouraged me to seek out leadership classes,” shared Hartwigsen.
Hartwigsen also likes that MRHC prides itself on contributing to a positive work culture. As she grows as a director, her goal is to continue that within her department with a focus on personal development.
“I want to provide an encouraging work environment for my team,” Hartwigsen said. “The work environment at MRHC already encourages teamwork and growth within the facility. The staff works together to provide the best possible care to the community no matter what their role is.”
Focusing on the people is something that has already made Hartwigsen a great leader, according to Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN. “Lisa has embraced the Med/surg/emergency department director role and always keeps patients and staff at the center of what she does,” Andersen said. 
Hartwigsen attributes her ability to grow in her career to administration and appreciates how they have built a positive work culture and model constructive leadership. “MRHC’s administrative team is very transparent and keeps staff updated on the facility’s financial performance and plans for growth,” she shared.
In addition to the positive work environment and support from administration, Hartwigsen also enjoys the work-life balance that MRHC provides its employees. “The harmony between my career and my home-life benefits my family and I greatly,” said Hartwigsen.
For any student who may be considering a career in healthcare, specifically in nursing, Hartwigsen recommends that students, “job shadow different healthcare careers. You never know what might interest you.”
MRHC has hosted Healthcare Career Camps for local schools, providing immersive, hands-on experiences for students interested in learning more about various roles in healthcare. To learn more about taking part in a Healthcare Career Camp, contact Julie at Julie.hodne@mrhcia.com or call (712) 655-8179.To join the MRHC team, visit www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.
